Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:11-17
The ‘day of visitation’ is coming sooner than anyone expects. We are naturally complacent in our lives thinking that everything will go as we plan. But the reality is we are just living on the limited edge of the created dimensionality. We are actually only experiencing just a fraction of what is going on all around us … in the other dimensions. The Bible refers to these dimensions as the ‘heavenly places’. In fact, … in those spiritual realms (other dimensions) are where real power and influence is exerted.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Peter is giving instruction to the ‘family of God’ on how to conduct everyday life in community in this passage. Do we know how to treat everyone with ‘respect’? Or are we falling into the cultural hatred of ‘sides’ and ideologies which are slapped over people so that we can condemn them? There is ONLY one God, and He is sovereign OVER all. Be careful of not falling into the traps the enemies of God set up to entrench you into worthless debates and slander.
How do we discern the things and ways of God? How do we discern His voice? How do we discern what God wants us to do? Discernment comes from discipline. Daily practice. Daily work, over and over, often of mundane little things. Like in a work …when you’ve done it a thousand times you will gain discernment about that work or area. The so called ‘experts’ now can often be intellectuals who have never actually been in the ‘field’ doing the actual work. Many career ‘spiritual leaders’ have very little life experience with the spiritual realm / dimensions, and the work of the Holy Spirit. They may know lots of intellectual academic information but VERY little personal experience going through the actual trials and challenges. I don’t trust spiritual leaders without some serious ‘scars’ from personal trials and failures. Intellectual knowledge will only get you so far … and in spiritual things … intellectual knowledge is barely part of the understanding needed to disciple others. Life experience with the Holy Spirit will NEVER equal intellectual understanding. To have a real relationship with the Holy Spirit will require an honest, humble, transparent heart before Him at ALL times. It will require selfless obedience to His instructions. This IS how we grow into spiritual maturity. How much are you submitting to the Holy Spirit? How much time are you giving Him? Are you even silent enough and waiting to hear Him? Or are you demanding that He comply to your schedule and agenda? Do you ever discuss with others in the spiritual community what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do? Do you even have anyone you can discuss these deep spiritual questions, visions, and dreams? Who can you trust to talk about spiritual experiences you are encountering? Someone who has never had anything like what you are experiencing? This is why Jesus gave ‘gifts’ to the ekklesia / church / Body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Do you actually ‘know’ the ‘gifts’ (spiritually gifted people) Jesus has placed around you for your encouragement and help? Do you need the help from one of those people who are gifted by the Lord in one of those 5 areas? Do you know if your ‘community’ actually identifies them?