What does it look like to be fully alive? Last Sunday we celebrated the Resurrection. He is Risen indeed and His victory over death is the basis for our hope. Today we are back to facing life, day in and day out. I am not arguing for or against Darwinism, but I think the image reminds that us becoming fully alive is a process as we allow our Creator to transform us. The fancy word is sanctification. I’d like to explore just a few evidences of living a fully alive life.
Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” The growth of these characteristics in our lives is one evidence of coming fully alive. I know I am still growing in these, and Abba faithfully gives me opportunities to learn. They are not often easy lessons, but when I learn a bit more the result is sweet and is aptly called fruit.
When we live increasing into loving and inviting relationships we are learning more of what the Trinity looks like. God the father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in complete harmony. We, however, not so much: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 ) Knowing that disagreements can make me stronger, gives me hope as we learn to deal honestly my own, and our with others, through our brokenness and differences. In all of this the ever-present Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, grace and comfort.
1 John:”18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.” The more we are able to accept the perfect, and infinite love offered to us, the freer our hearts become. That is when we really begin to tap into being fully alive. That infinite love calls us to be the unique individuals we are created to be.
Yes, we live to bring glory to God. But we can not do it without allowing God to love us first!
Struggles and failures are certain, but we go through them. That is how we learn, becoming conformed to the image of Christ in the process. This truly brings glory to the one who is present with us in every challenge and celebration!
Understanding that God is aways with us and always working on our behalf allows us to forgive ourselves and others. Then we let go of offenses.
Living freely with our assurance and security, flowing from God’s love for us, is the foundation for living fully alive. Increasing openness to the love of God intensifies the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. It also expands our courage to step farther into our destiny…becoming fully alive.
We are all intentionally unique. What might “fully alive” look like in your life?
*Image taken from Free internet images
