We read in Romans 8:9 that, “You are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.” What does it mean to have the Spirit of God dwell in you?
It means you consciously and intentionally accept your baptismal gift of the Holy Spirit and let it help you put to death the deeds of the body (v13). So, we die to the materialistic, selfish desires we get because we are relentlessy bombarded with advertisements and enticements to want more stuff. We stop striving for more ease and comfort in our life. We lay these urges and drives at the foot of the cross, giving them to Jesus to handle for us.
This is obviously a challenge, certainly it is for me. I want to be able to buy what I want and enjoy a life free of stress. The American way. But we know that living as good stewards is often counter-cultural. It can seem, rather, to cause a bit of suffering. But Jesus promises us His peace. He calls us to Him where He will give us rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Mt. 11:28-30).
St Paul goes on to tell us in this eighth chapter of Romans that if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are His children, and if children, then heirs. Accept your inheritance as one of God’s children. Enjoy the legacy Jesus left us in the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit dwell within you. St. Seraphim of Sarov says, “When the Spirit of God dwells in a man, the soul is filled with peace.”
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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