For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you… to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19
It is within the will and power of our Father in heaven to grant that we be filled with His fullness. The wonder and mystery of this truth should not distract nor dissuade us from pursuing its fulfillment in our lives.
Both “filled” and “fullness” are absolutes. God desires to fill all of our life – every moment, thought, and activity – with all of Himself. How does that happen when we fill so much of it with something else? Can a cup be filled with water when there is dirt inside?
We Christians have turned to the world for much of our security, wellness, entertainment, and justice. We assume a certain measure of it is provided by God – that it is a part of His grace. On the other hand, we know that much of what the world offers is contrary to God’s purpose and glory.
It is easy to get confused about the things of this world and their place in God’s purposes and plans for His children. After all, the Scripture encourages us that…
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 2:28
Regrettably, we assume that if something is “good” to us, it must be from God. We take what the world has to offer with little to no consideration of God’s will in the matter. Our carnal mind, allied with the world and seeking opportunity to take control, steps in to justify what the world has offered. The deception runs deep.
Now, for those so concerned, I am not suggesting a new list of rules or guidelines. We were not born again to live by the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. We are called to live by the Tree of Life – the Life that would fill us. The more we walk in the Spirit, the less we will fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
What I am suggesting – particularly to Christian leaders – is an assessment of our current state; that we would judge ourselves, lest we be judged. The symptoms of our carnal mind’s deception must be exposed if we ever hope to be free of them. Our running after the world is a broad road exercise; it leads to destruction. This is a personal and corporate matter.
What troubles me is our reluctance to ask God the hard questions:
Is this your will for my life and the lives of those in my spheres of influence?
Is this “good” for you and your kingdom?
In what areas have we become “of this world”?
These are difficult – even fearful – questions to ask. For those willing, God will provide the wisdom, faith, and courage to pursue them. He has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7).
May He find us faithful. Eternal lives are hanging in the balance.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob