Jesus came into the world without the generational issues that we have to deal with. Therefore, He was aware of… and showed… full Christ presence from the very beginning of His ministry. He did not have traumas, neuroses, and complexes that got in the way of His knowing His Father’s will at all times. Nothing hid His being Christ. We, however, need to do the hard work of stripping away the issues and distractions to reach that clarity.
I have known people who have died without reaching a clear awareness of Christ. I have known people who never even tried to address their issues at all, unaware that working out their own salvation is theirs to do. I have also known people who have reached that clarity and were able to live the last years of their lives in full Christ presence and in full service of the Father.
We have been given the means to do the hard work of shedding all of the interfering stuff. The Holy Spirit has blessed us with knowledge of dealing with addictions, resentments and hate, illness and diseases. We have psychology, spiritual healing, prayer, AA groups, solid advice on what to eat, how much exercise to get, the importance of spending time in nature, deep breathing, and good sleep. All of that knowledge and help has been provided to assist us in shedding our issues.
While working out our salvation, we can spend precious and protected moments in silent prayer and meditation…becoming familiar with that clarity. With enough consistent practice, we can carry that grounded Christ presence out into relationships, crisis moments, and the world.
But we must still do the work.
Jesus spent His life psychologically whole, unattached to possessions, and undistracted. He spent time in prayerful meditation to maintain His clear awareness of God. All other times, He was open to the people around Him and present, in the truest sense. He was attentive, aware, and conscious. Follow Jesus’ example.
It is not necessary for us to be crucified on a tree in order to die to our distractions and issues. But what Jesus demonstrated was that once we choose to, after a time of grief, darkness, and confusion, we awaken full of Christ and ready to serve.
Follow Jesus.
Today's Teachable Moment 