Preserving the Life of Christ Within
A light heart carries the life of Christ freely, unhindered by the burdens of worry or bitterness.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven, April 27
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today's reflection from AB Simpson invites us to recognize the deep connection between our spiritual state and our physical vitality. It emphasizes that the divine life of Christ within us can be subtly hindered by seemingly small issues, much like a clot that interrupts the flow of blood.
The devotional warns that attitudes like worry, jealousy, envy, or bitterness are not harmless—they act like toxins, draining the vitality Christ intends to flow through us. Even brief indulgences in negativity can do more harm than hours of hard work or physical fatigue.
Conversely, a sweet, joyful spirit, anchored in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, nurtures both soul and body. The way we speak reveals much about the health of our spirit; constant negativity and anxiety are exhausting both spiritually and physically.
The heart of today’s message is simple yet profound: guard the life of Christ within you by avoiding the drains of worry, jealousy, and bitterness. Preserve His vitality in you for His purposes, and you will find yourself full of life and strength beyond your own resources.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, be wise in heart and discerning in spirit, for pleasant words promote life and strength within you. Let My peace rule in your heart, to which you were called in one body, and be thankful. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything; for this is My will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not let jealousy, envy, or bitterness find a foothold within your soul, for they grieve My Spirit and sap the vitality I have given you. Instead, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with others and forgive freely, just as I have forgiven you.
Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in Me. Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be pleasing in My sight. Speak words that are seasoned with grace, bringing healing and life wherever you go.
Above all, guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, but will bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
(Scripture references: Proverbs 16:21; Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Colossians 3:12–13; Colossians 3:2–3; Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 4:23; Galatians 5:16, 22–23)
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine carrying a heavy backpack throughout your day. If you keep adding small, unnecessary items—an old water bottle, a handful of rocks, scraps of paper—it doesn't seem like much at first. But over time, the weight becomes unbearable, slowing you down and sapping your energy. In the same way, allowing small irritations like worry or jealousy to accumulate in your spirit burdens you far more than you realize. By clearing out the unnecessary "weights" daily through trusting God and rejoicing in Him, you walk freely, lightly, and full of His strength.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that in Christ I have been given a heart of peace, not turmoil; a spirit of joy, not bitterness. I rejoice that Your life within me is pure, abundant, and flowing freely. I trust You to guard my heart and mind as I choose thanksgiving over worry and kindness over resentment. Thank You that Your grace sustains the vitality of Christ within me. Today, I walk lightly and joyfully, preserving the life You have entrusted to me for Your glory.