“Until Christ’s nature is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19 Today’s English Version
“You can be less like you and more like Jesus. That’s not natural; it’s supernatural.”
My thoughts today are that “it’s not natural.”
You can go through life feeling pretty good about doing what comes naturally, but I think there will be times that you as well as others may be a bit shocked to find what is natural to you. The Bible does not give a very encouraging picture of people who live according to their own nature . . “live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature . .” Ephesians 1:3 NLT. That evil nature is at the root of everything that comes naturally to you.
Ever wondered how that original nature can still affect a Christ-follower? Paul described three states of spiritual life – the natural man, who is oblivious to God and lives by his own wits, will, strength, and resource – the carnal man, who is redeemed and forgiven but still struggles with the old nature – and the spiritual man, who is redeemed, submitted and obedient to God, and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. See 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 NKJV.
There is a significant distance between the natural and spiritual man, some noticeable difference between the natural man and the carnal Christian, and a greater measure of distinction between the carnal and spiritual Christian. Another picture of these three stages might be seen as: unborn, immature, and mature – not by chronological age, but by spiritual development and understanding.
The carnal Christian is a person alive in Christ through salvation, but often dominated by worldly affections and attractions. What does that look like, according to Paul? “You are still controlled by your own sinful desires. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your own desires? You are acting like people who don’t belong to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT. Such people appear as unsure of themselves, insecure in their salvation, conflicted in their spiritual commitment, unpredictable in behavior, and inconsistent in matters of faith and daily life. Now that’s natural.
Paul had great compassion for those who struggle in such ways in their spiritual lives. “My dear children! Once again I, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ’s nature is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19 TEV. Can you feel Paul’s heart as you read his words, a spiritual father having personally birthed many of these Christians in Galatia? (Galatia was a province in modern Turkey settled by the Gauls from France, and including cities such as Antioch, Phrygia, Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium). See Acts 13/14. See Acts 13:42-49.
Imagine what it is to have Christ’s very own nature being progressively and increasingly formed in you! Romans 8:28-29 NIV. What would be different about you, better about you? Stated in the simplest of terms, you would be less and less like you and more and more like Jesus! Now that’s an incredible possibility. John the Baptist caught that excitement when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 NKJV. That’s not natural; it’s supernatural. Where, and in what ways, would you like that to begin in you today?
My prayer for you today is: chose the supernatural every time. Anyone can do the other.