From Body-Consciousness to God-Consciousness: Living in the Freedom of Our Oneness with Christ
Introduction to Chapter Four
In Chapter Four of Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, David Kuykendall unveils a transformative truth central to the Christian life: shifting from being consumed by body-consciousness to living with a God-conscious focus. This chapter challenges us to leave behind worldly preoccupations with the physical and embrace the fullness of life found in focusing on God.
The world around us glorifies body-consciousness. Media, societal standards, and even our fears often revolve around the physical. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are invited to fix our minds on things above, experiencing the peace and joy that come from living in the reality of our oneness with Him.
Tracing the Roots of Body-Consciousness
A Shift in the Garden
Body-consciousness can be traced back to the fall in the Garden of Eden. Before their disobedience, Adam and Eve were fully God-conscious, living in unbroken fellowship with Him. Their sin introduced a self-focused awareness—manifested in their sudden recognition of nakedness. This marked a tragic shift from God-consciousness to self-consciousness.
Cain inherited this preoccupation, seen in his defiance of God’s commands and his overwhelming fear of death. His life was shaped by concerns rooted in the physical, rather than trust in God.
Jesus: The Perfect Example
A Life Focused on the Father
Unlike Cain, Jesus lived a life centered entirely on God. His words in John 5:19 reveal His focus: “The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing.” His purpose, priorities, and peace flowed from this God-conscious focus.
Even in His suffering, Jesus’ attention remained on the Father’s will. At the cross, He interceded for others, ensuring the care of His mother and offering forgiveness to His executioners. His life demonstrates the beauty and power of God-conscious living.
Through our oneness with Christ, we can share in this same mindset. Kuykendall reminds us that we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices—dedicated and surrendered to God (Romans 12:1).
The Path to Transformation
Rooted in Our Union with Christ
Kuykendall underscores that the shift from body-consciousness to God-consciousness is not achieved by self-effort but by resting in our union with Christ. This transformation unfolds as we:
Receive the Truth
Recognize that our “old man,” with its fixation on the physical, has been crucified with Christ.Believe the Truth
Faith precedes experience. Trust that the cross has dealt with this preoccupation and that we are alive to God.Walk in the Truth
Choose daily to live by the Spirit, focusing on Christ rather than the physical.
Living in Victory
Authority Over the Enemy
Satan thrives on keeping our attention fixed on ourselves and our physical concerns. But through Christ, we are seated in heavenly places, far above his schemes (Ephesians 2:6). When we stand in this truth, we experience freedom in our thought life, shifting our focus from worldly anxieties to eternal realities.
The Spirit’s Role
The Holy Spirit works within us to deepen our God-consciousness. Kuykendall identifies self-confidence as a barrier to His filling. When we reckon our flesh crucified with Christ, the Spirit fills us, aligning our focus with God and glorifying Him through our lives.
The Rewards of God-Conscious Living
Perfect Peace and Joy
Isaiah 26:3 promises peace to those whose minds are fixed on God. This peace is not circumstantial but flows from the stability and security found in Him.
Strength Amid Suffering
Hebrews 12:3 calls us to endure life’s trials by “fixing our eyes on Jesus.” God-consciousness equips us with hope and perseverance, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Practical Takeaways
Reckon It True
Each day, remind yourself that your old, self-focused nature has been crucified with Christ.Claim Your Position
Embrace your authority as one seated with Christ in heavenly places, living from this secure position.Yield to the Spirit
Invite the Holy Spirit to align your thoughts with God’s truth and glorify Him in your actions.Redirect Worry to Worship
When concerns about the physical arise, turn your attention to the Lord in gratitude and trust.
Encouragement for Today
Kuykendall’s insights remind us that freedom from body-consciousness is not something we achieve by trying harder. It is a gift of grace received through faith and lived out as we rest in the truth of our oneness with Christ. In Him, we find the power to live a life fully focused on God.
Reflection Question
What steps can you take today to align your focus more fully with God-conscious living?
Closing Prayer of Praise
Father, we thank You for the truth that our old self has been crucified with Christ. Thank You that we are alive to You, raised with Christ, and seated in heavenly places. May we live in this reality daily, fixing our thoughts on You and yielding to Your Spirit. Fill our lives with Your peace and joy as we live for Your glory. Amen.
Additional Resources
David Kuykendall has generously provided complimentary access to his writings on his website. For further reading and reflection, visit:
David Kuykendall Ministries
You can also access this specific work, Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, directly here:
Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness
Join us next time as we continue our journey from Cain-likeness to Christ-likeness, exploring how God’s grace transforms other self-centered traits into Christ-like qualities!