Message Library

Worldly Gifts verses Spiritual Gifts

Posted on

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life.

John 6:63

This verse implies that the Spirit gives life and the flesh (world) counts for nothing; how does this relate our Spiritual gifts to worldly gifts? What we are trying to satisfy is our eternal souls, which is our thoughts, personalities, emotions, desires, and our Spiritual hearts – our deepest beliefs. Our flesh requires certain things to sustain life, such as food, water, air, rest, and exercise. But there are other things our flesh desires such as money, power, possessions, and entertainment. We need most of these things to live in this world, but the problem occurs when we seek these things thinking they will satisfy our souls. Many people today are trying to satisfy their eternal souls with temporary things of the world.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) Since we are created in the image of God, the most satisfying and all-fulfilling thing is to be in the presence of God. How does God make himself present to us this side of eternity?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) The Holy Spirit lives in believers revealing the character of God to us. The Spirit molds us to the mind and heart of Christ. As we become more Christ-like, as our hearts fill with his love, the closer we are to the Lord and the more we feel and know his presence within us. We are getting closer to the Lord and recognizing his presence more and more, until our last breath, when we go home to be with him.

Our eternal souls are filled with the fruit of the Spirit; love, peace, joy – the character of God. These characteristics are fulfilling because they are eternally present since the Spirit is always with us. Even when life hurts, they are still there, and if we run to God for comfort the Spirit is stronger within us. Can we achieve this eternal fulfillment from temporary things of the world?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Christ through the Spirit gives life to the full, meaning there is nothing missing. Jesus said: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) If we seek God first, he fills our souls with his character. He molds us to the mind and heart of Jesus, and also provides for our worldly needs. Satan, the ruler of the air, deceives us through his lies, with a motive of stealing us from God, killing our souls, and destroying our eternal lives. Which life do you prefer? Most of the world has chosen the life following the lies of Satan, because they do not know the heart of God.

Today, know that God will satisfy your soul. He will sustain your life in this world until his plan for your life is complete, then he will bring you home. Walk confidently in the love and power of the Lord without fear. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank you for revealing your presence with me through the Holy Spirit. And thank you for protecting my soul for eternity. Give me courage with a heart of love and a mind of wisdom, to be light for Christ through my remaining years. In Jesus’ name, Amen.