When we consistently look into God’s “perfect law of liberty” we will not forget what we see. Instead, we will begin to recognize the freedom that belongs
to us. We accept God’s image of our lives rather than our old distorted thoughts.
The “law of liberty” frees us from the limitations of our old life.
When the reality of this newness dawns on us, we will grow by leaps and bounds. Because we are created in the likeness and image of God, we have a tremendous
capacity for spiritual receptiveness.
When Jesus went up on the mount with Peter, James, and John something dramatic began to take place. The disciples saw the transfiguration of Jesus right
before their eyes. He became brilliant with the reflection of the light of God. Through that demonstration we understand two things about mankind.
First, we see man’s capacity to receive the glory of the presence of God. Second, we see the capacity of a man to reveal the glory of God’s manifested
presence.
When the transforming power of God entered our lives, we received the
presence of God. Our true inner-most nature was changed. Soon, our outward expressions began to reflect the inward changes. Our habits, speech, and
expressions began to correspond to our true nature.
Tragically, many Christians continue to conform to the old habits, living a masquerade that hides the true nature they received at the new birth. The Bible
refers to them as carnally minded. The battle against carnal thinking is ever-present. It is not something we obtain victory over once and for all.
Instead, this new way of thinking and living must be maintained daily.
When the flesh is left to direct our thoughts and actions, it will try to reclaim any lost ground in our lives. When our flesh is in control, we are at
our weakest point. Leaning toward carnal tendencies and giving in to the demands of the flesh come from habit. New habits must be formed that put aside
those old desires and create the attitudes that promote progress in our lives.
“For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy Spirit] you are [habitually] putting
to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14 AMP).
The word habitually means that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we make the determination to create new habits. When we habitually put to death,
making extinct and deadening the promptings of the flesh, we develop a resistance to the old habits. When we yield to the Holy Spirit we become deadened
to the old habits much like the shot from the dentist that deadens our nerves and causes our mouths to have no feeling.
As the habit of following the leadership of the Holy Spirit develops, our spirits will yield to His government, and the flesh will follow as an instrument
of service to God. We will be less sensitive to the pull of previous habits. A new sensitivity to the impulses of the Holy Spirit will emerge. Yield
to the leadership of the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
