"GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN US!"

1 Corinthians 3:16-22                (ESV)

"16 Do you not know that you are GOD's temple and that "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU"?

17 If anyone destroys GOD's temple, GOD will destroy him. For GOD's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with GOD. For it is written, "HE catches the wise in their craftiness,"

20 and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are YOURS,

22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-all are YOURS,

23 and you are CHRIST's, and CHRIST is GOD's."

Memories of the January evening of 1978 are as plain to me as if it were last week.  Feeling slightly depressed, without hope or direction in my life, I cried out to GOD to come into my life and give me a purpose.  Don't get me wrong, I have NOT lived a perfect life since!  As a matter of fact, shame and humility would flood the screen playing a movie of things that have transpired since.  But the grace and love of JESUS covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).  

GOD has a plan for each of our lives.  We do not surprise GOD with our rebellion and disobedience.  HE knew King David would be an adulterer, yet HE called David "a man after HIS own heart" in 1 Samuel 14:13.  From time to time GOD can allow us to experience difficulties to draw us closer to HIM.   GOD desires a close relationship with each of us.  Some are called to live our lives at a higher standard than others.  When you choose to disobey, such as King David, your peace and contentment are replaced with anxiety and emptiness until confession of sin is made.  

GOD's Holy Spirit will NEVER leave us once we have invited HIM into our lives.  HIS Spirit is here to guide and correct our actions when we venture off GOD's divine plan.  However, just because we are experience some difficult times doesn't equate to unholy living.  GOD has a way of drawing us closer to HIM so HE can use us for HIS glory!  Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN."  

The fact that "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU" should not surprise you if you are living for HIM.   But if you say you don't have time for the Spirit of GOD to dwell inside your body, you need to imagine spending eternity without HIS Spirit in a place of torment.  It is really a choice we all HAVE to make.  You either choose NOT to live for HIM by making your own decisions about where your life is headed, or you allow "GOD's SPIRIT DWELLS IN YOU" to become the focus of your life!  The choice is yours!