We are called to be led by the Spirit, not our flesh. Our flesh wants instant gratification and our current society promotes that sin. The “Drive thru” mentality has permeated the thinking of modern society. 24 hour news on cable television provides instant gratification of the insatiable desire to know what is going on. We have simply become responders to stimuli. So-called reality TV isn’t real but is simply staged scenes to reflect specific personalities that attract new viewers. Perception has replaced reality in the thinking process of most people. This is increasing the blindness of society to the point of allowing disaster to arrive at their doorsteps before they are able to respond. This has created a category of observers instead of participants of life’s reality. In a subtle form, these are “escapists”, those that prefer to escape reality.
I see that mentality among those who aspire to be overcomers as well. We are told to let patience have its perfect work and to be led by the Spirit. However, many want it now, instantly. We are told that the wheat in the field must mature before the harvest, but many want it gathered before it is ripe. You cannot bypass the maturing process. We must allow the tests and trials to come forth and sharpen our faculties. We must go through the necessary suffering to insure we are mature before empowered from Above.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
What portion of your day are you led by the Spirit? Have you become fully sensitive to HIS Spirit yet? The trials and tests are designed to reveal what is in the recesses or your heart that needs to be burned up as a tare. Your response to the fiery trials is the barometer of your maturity. The vessels of dishonor are ordained to test your maturity.
;15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Our Heavenly Father has provided us with a greater inheritance than the world has to offer. We must trade in “perception” for reality. We must reject the world of instant gratification for patience. We must not fear when the tests come.
:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
As we become sensitive to The Spirit, HE reaffirms our walk by guiding us through the trials. In the short term, the tests may appear to be unworkable. But in the end, HE provides the solution. This tests our faith in believing that in HIM, all things are possible.
:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
The aspiring overcomers want to be glorified but that is not the end game. It is the needed empowerment to establish the Kingdom and will only be given to those who have matured to the point that they can properly handle the power and authority. If your eyes are solely on glorification and not on how you can serve mankind, then you will probably end up as an observer rather than a participant. Don’t let the sin of instant gratification rob you from becoming a mature saint who has developed a sensitivity in the Spirit and a joint-heir with Christ. Our suffering is only temporary, our inheritance is permanent.