Aglow with God’s Spirit

“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.” [1]

If we truly want God’s approval…
If we truly want to please God…
If we truly aim to promote the kingdom of God…
Then, let us be filled with righteousness, peace and joy from the Holy Spirit.

A righteous and holy person is a great witness for God. The devil wants undermine Christianity’s credibility. Therefore, our righteousness must be from God. If we try to be Christian (Christ-like) in our own strength, we will fail.

We need the Holy Spirit to be aglow for Jesus. We are the candles. The Holy Spirit is the fire.

“Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!” [2]

I will use the Chinese word for glory (榮)to illustrate my point. It contains two people, Adam and Eve, aglow next to a tree (see picture). Perhaps, before Adam and Eve sinned, they shined with the glory of God.

The Bible says that God “covers Himself with light as with a garment.” [3]

When Jesus was transfigured in the Gospels, “His face shone like the sun.” [4]

When our first parents, Adam and Eve sinned, they lost God’s glory. Their likeness to God - their glow was lost. They knew they were naked.

“Also, for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” [5]

God sacrificed animals to cover (atone) their nakedness. He forgave their sin and removed their guilt.

We have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit because He reminds us of what God did for us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to take away our sins so that we could receive the Holy Spirit and shine once again with His glory.

If we depend on our works to get to heaven, we will never have peace. We will lack joy. Peace and joy stem from knowing that God has sent a Savior to save us from our sins.

Christmas lights need electricity to shine. They must be plugged-in to shine. In like manner, we must be filled the Holy Spirit, God’s radiance, to shine for Him.

“Thank You Heavenly Father for giving up Your Son for us. Thank You Lord Jesus for giving up Your life for us. Thank You Holy Spirit for filling us and causing us to glow for God.”

[1] Romans 14:17-18
[2] Romans 12:11
[3] Psalm 104:2
[4] Matthew 17:2
[5] Genesis 3:21