The Human And Divine Natures
We have all faced difficulties in our life.
Our response to these situations will show the strength and character of our Christian confession.
I believe that every Believer has two natures, the human and the divine.
As long as we are alive, we will continue to exhibit our human characteristics as well as the growth and promotion of the Divine nature within us.
When problems arise, we are immediately brought to a moment of decision.
We will either let our human nature lead the way in confronting the challenges, or allow the Divine nature to respond with the resolve that we can do all things "through Christ" who strengthens us.
Both of these natures have the ability to face the problems, but only one can insure an edifying victory.
Realistically, we know that our human resources are not equipped to render a sure and sudden response, but yet we pursue the challenge armed with our human arsenal.
We seem to reason that feelings will evidence victory or defeat.
We know that the Divine nature within us is well able to overcome every problem and situation in life, but putting that realization into practice is another matter.
What causes us to choose one nature over the other? I believe the answer is simple.
Which ever nature has, and is given, the most attention will be the nature that meets the challenges of life.
When we neglect our Bible reading, prayer, and sharing, we are on what I call a spiritual fast.
The longer the fast, the weaker our Christian walk.
When we feed our human nature with the ingredients the world has to offer, that nature becomes stronger.
As the problems arise, the promoted nature dictates its response.
The natural man expresses anger, frustration, worry, anxiety, fear, apprehension, jealousy, etc.
, which then effects the body by elevating the blood pressure and causing all types of physical and mental anxieties.
If the Divine nature is implemented, there is displayed wisdom, knowledge, patience, perseverance, peace, and even joy.
The Christian fully understands the concept of the two natures, but fails again and again to engage the Divine nature in everyday challenges.
When are we going to learn to feed our spirit at the buffet table of God's Word? When are we going to recognize the spiritual hunger pains of a starved or neglected "inner man?" We must continually feed our spirits so that our minds can be renewed to address the every day obstacles that challenge our faith.
We have all experienced the spiritual roller coaster of life.
There has been the joy of victory as well as the reality of defeat.
The important thing is to learn from our mistakes.
The whole process is a growing experience.
After a defeat, look back and see how our human nature accentuated the problem.
Then look back again, only this time to the Word of God, and see the instructions on how to ensure the victory in the midst of worldly challenges.
Let us read the Word, study the Word, meditate on the Word, and then walk with the Word.
As our Divine nature grows, the everyday problems we face will continue to be defeated.
Our response to these situations will show the strength and character of our Christian confession.
I believe that every Believer has two natures, the human and the divine.
As long as we are alive, we will continue to exhibit our human characteristics as well as the growth and promotion of the Divine nature within us.
When problems arise, we are immediately brought to a moment of decision.
We will either let our human nature lead the way in confronting the challenges, or allow the Divine nature to respond with the resolve that we can do all things "through Christ" who strengthens us.
Both of these natures have the ability to face the problems, but only one can insure an edifying victory.
Realistically, we know that our human resources are not equipped to render a sure and sudden response, but yet we pursue the challenge armed with our human arsenal.
We seem to reason that feelings will evidence victory or defeat.
We know that the Divine nature within us is well able to overcome every problem and situation in life, but putting that realization into practice is another matter.
What causes us to choose one nature over the other? I believe the answer is simple.
Which ever nature has, and is given, the most attention will be the nature that meets the challenges of life.
When we neglect our Bible reading, prayer, and sharing, we are on what I call a spiritual fast.
The longer the fast, the weaker our Christian walk.
When we feed our human nature with the ingredients the world has to offer, that nature becomes stronger.
As the problems arise, the promoted nature dictates its response.
The natural man expresses anger, frustration, worry, anxiety, fear, apprehension, jealousy, etc.
, which then effects the body by elevating the blood pressure and causing all types of physical and mental anxieties.
If the Divine nature is implemented, there is displayed wisdom, knowledge, patience, perseverance, peace, and even joy.
The Christian fully understands the concept of the two natures, but fails again and again to engage the Divine nature in everyday challenges.
When are we going to learn to feed our spirit at the buffet table of God's Word? When are we going to recognize the spiritual hunger pains of a starved or neglected "inner man?" We must continually feed our spirits so that our minds can be renewed to address the every day obstacles that challenge our faith.
We have all experienced the spiritual roller coaster of life.
There has been the joy of victory as well as the reality of defeat.
The important thing is to learn from our mistakes.
The whole process is a growing experience.
After a defeat, look back and see how our human nature accentuated the problem.
Then look back again, only this time to the Word of God, and see the instructions on how to ensure the victory in the midst of worldly challenges.
Let us read the Word, study the Word, meditate on the Word, and then walk with the Word.
As our Divine nature grows, the everyday problems we face will continue to be defeated.
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