More Of Christ?

More of Christ?

God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

IN WORD How many Christians struggle to receive more of Christ, more of His Spirit, more of His presence? It’s a common misperception, commendable for its right assessment of human sin and the gospel’s promises. But it is a misperception. How can we, who have Christ living within us, get more of Christ? He’s already there. We already have the One we so desperately need.

The desire to grow in our relationship to Jesus is right; perhaps our methodology is not. What we need to realize is that Jesus really, truly indwells the person who believes in Him. The problem isn’t that we need more of Jesus in the equation; it’s that we need less of ourselves so our perception of Him will be more accurate.

Envision a candle enveloped by a stained-glass shade. If the glass is encrusted with dirt, the candle will hardly shine through. It isn’t the flame’s fault—it’s burning brightly enough already. The problem lies in the shade. Erode the layers of grime, and the flame will be visible. Tolerate the dirt, and it won’t. It’s that simple.

When we feel a need to have more of Jesus’ Spirit, what we really crave is a clearer experience of Him. A persistent prayer life that appropriates His cleansing power, along with a cooperative willingness to do the work of self-denial and attitude adjustments, will make Him more real, both to us and to those who observe us. Lights shine brilliantly and beautifully through clear glass. Our Light seeks clarity in us.

IN DEED Quit striving for more of God. You have Him already, if you have believed in the resurrection power of His Son. The living, breathing Spirit of Jesus dwells within the heart of faith. Let Him remove your outer shell of hindrances—pride, discouragement, misplaced desires, and the deceptions the enemy has lodged in your heart. The need is not for Him to increase, but for the barriers to Him to decrease.

God reigns in the hearts of His servants; there is His kingdom.

—JEREMY TAYLOR