Cleanse my spirit?

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

The word body here can also be translated ‘flesh’. We definitely can understand wrestling with our flesh nature and bringing it under submission. That process is constantly in play this side of heaven. But what I was immediately struck by was the concept of cleansing our spirit. Then the question is … how do we cleanse our spirit? So we then have to define exactly what our spirit is or at least have pondered what our spirit really is. What does our spirit contain? What is the difference between our soul and our spirit? How does our soul wrestle with our spirit and body and with the Spirit of God? Does our soul (emotions / feelings / soul senses) try to get our spirit to follow what it (we are experiencing) is feeling? Is there a tension between our spirit and our soul? Is there as much tension between our soul and body and the tension between our soul and spirit? Many never even ponder some of these questions. I happen to be one that does. But then this in my normal reading the scriptures with the Holy Spirit. He always highlights things that challenge me, convict me, and encourage me.

What are the promises Paul is mentioning in this verse? The ones mentioned in chapter 6:14-18, highlighting that we ARE the temple of living God. We should always be working ourselves towards holiness.

By a ‘word’ the Holy Spirit gave me last year that shook me, I know that our spirit contains our will. Our will determines how we choose. We make our decisions with our will. What has come to my attention is the question of … how much do I choose what the Holy Spirit wants me to choose in the midst of my day? Am I so attentive to His voice and aligned in my heart towards Jesus that I will immediately obey Him in whatever direction or instruction He gives to me? Or will I question it? Or will I just dismiss it – because I don’t want to ‘hear it’ or accept it, or worse not believe Him?

Is belief and repentance always a co-joined experience?

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

Do you trust what you believe? Have your beliefs been tested? Can you trust the relationship you have with Jesus AND the Holy Spirit? Have you walked through many trials and difficult tests with Him? Can Jesus trust you enough to send you through some difficult trials and situations so that His plan for someone else is enacted and His mercy and grace are brought to others? Can Jesus trust you in those difficult circumstances and places? Has your spirit been cleansed to the point He knows how you will surrender your will to Him in those difficult moments?

Fear is a HUGE obstacle to all of these interactions in relationship. Uncertainty comes from a non-tested belief. We think something is right – but we’ve never tested it – to see if it is so. Fear is defeated by seeing a trial and test through to its end – hand in hand with the Holy Spirit. Uncertainty is demolished by constant use and practice and along with regular discipline.

Walking this kind of spiritual relationship out – you come to know that God will do what He says He will do. And surrendering your will to His is absolutely the best decision you can make EVERY time.

Cleanse my spirit. Align my will to His. Choose Him EVERYTIME. Listen and obey.

To this I say, “Yes Lord. Lead on.”