Our spiritual life (the level of spiritual maturity to which we have attained), is far more than the sum of the spiritual information that we have gathered, or any compilation of our spiritual experiences. Rather, the core and substance of our being "spiritual" relates to the level of inner peace and harmony that results from our making right choices and decisions along the pathway of our spiritual journey.
Because the Lord is seeking those who are willing to go beyond that which they have freely received through redemption, our making these right choices and decisions will never be easy.
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Our Response - Be An Overcomer
No matter who or where we are, we must make decisions as to what we will see, hear, do, or where we will go or not go. The ever present temptation is to compromise and go along with the questionable or difficult situations that we often find in our path or circumstances.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Notice that our response to, and cooperation with these "good works" is conditional (we should walk in them). These good works are preordained testing points that will determine how far we will follow the Lord.
We make few major decisions, but each day we make many "minor" (seemingly to us) decisions that feed either the carnal or the spiritual aspect of our being. The accumulation of these choices will result in our becoming predominantly carnal or spiritual.
As our spiritual decisions begin to outweigh the negative pulls and responses, we become an "overcomer." To the extent that we rise above carnal soulish desires, we are lifted into a place of communion with our Lord, and we grow spiritually.
"To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne." Revelation 3:21
Our position with Jesus in this "throne relationship" is the result of our overcoming (rising above) all that is earthly and carnal. We receive the privilege or honor of being seated with Jesus in His Throne (as His Bride) as a result of the accumulation of the right decisions and choices that we make (being an overcomer).
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7
The more decisions that we make which are toward the Lord and His purposes, the easier it will become to continue making these decisions. The further down the road that we go in our walk with Jesus, we will progressively become more detached from all that is either carnal or a temptation to us. In the beginning, it may be difficult, but as we progress it will become easier.
"I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name." Revelation 3:8
An Upward Spiral
The pathway of our spiritual life can be considered as being an upward spiral. If we take a large wood screw and place a finger nail in the groove near the point, and run it along the surface, we will gradually progress toward the head. Though it may seem to us that we are going in circles, as we continue to make right decisions, we are progressively moving upward. If we do this in reverse and feed the carnal aspect of our being, it will lead us ever downward.
There are those who have within them a quality of spiritual life (divine substance that permeates their being). It may not be apparent as to why this is so but if inquired into, these would testify that through the struggles of life they have been making quality decisions, which brings them into increasing levels of fellowship with the Lord in His Throne.
"For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men." Romans 14:17-18
The Kingdom of God begins with "righteousness." As we make the right choices, we place ourselves on a "platform" called righteousness. Due to an accumulation of these righteous choices, we discover that there resides within us an abiding "peace." This will also result in the approbation or the favor of God resting upon us, and "joy" is then manifested.
Our submission to divine government will lead to our becoming a partaker with Jesus in His Throne. In this realm, our decisions do not relate only to right or wrong, but with the motives that underlie right or wrong. It is here that the final test of our union with the Lord will find its outworking. If we truly overcome in this area of our being, in "that day" we will find ourselves seated with Jesus in His Throne.
First, we are tested concerning the choices and decisions that we make. As we progress up the spiral, we will be tested concerning the motives of our heart which provoke the things that manifest as right or wrong. It is not enough to deny only the "thing," we must overcome the very principle that allows it to abide within us and assert itself.
Those who are satisfied with being blessed and eventually going to Heaven, have their reward (streets of gold and mansions). But for those who intensely hunger for this higher level of spiritual reality, there is much more. These, in the place of pressure, will deal with the issues of their heart, so in "that day," having become an overcomer, they will be found in the Throne seated with Jesus.
"And have made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Revelation 5:10
We are living in the time when this "ruling authority" will begin to function.
Let's pray: Lord, may we have the spiritual perception and sensitivity to respond and rightly handle this imparted authority, that will greatly affect the Church and all mankind.
Now, we can enter into and cooperate with Jesus in the outworking of His eternal purposes.
Wade Taylor
Wade Taylor Ministries / Parousia Ministries
