I have been reading a book that has just been published titled Psychology in the Spirit, by Todd Hall and John Coe. I learned of it through Intervarsity Press for whom I am reviewing books on occasion.
In one of the chapters, Coe addresses what he understands to be the core truths of the Christian faith and how it ought to guide Christian psychologists. His views sure seem to be right in line with what the teachings of the Bible boil down to in regards to our life purpose. Here’s a summary.
God exists and we are made in his image, (Genesis 1:26; 2:18) and are fundamentally, relational beings. We are created to be in relationship with God and other people. In that light, we’re to love God with all our might and to love others. (Mark 12:30-31 and 1 Corinthians 15:28)
We are all sinners, and by the grace of G0d, are saved by what Jesus did on the cross. (Romans 5:6-10) Because of this we are a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We are also to become like Christ to the degree we can before our life on earth is ended. (Romans 8:29)
It’s only by the power and guiding of the Holy Spirit within us that we can love God and others and be more Christ-like as God desires to fill us with the fullness of his presence. (1 John 3:2-3 and Ephesians 3:17; 5:18)
And these key aspects of living are to be done in such a way that God is glorified. (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:11)
If we can keep this in mind day to day and be guided by regularly reading the Bible and meditating on the truths found there, we will be much more apt be to living out God’s will for our life – our purpose in life.
My prayer for you is that you be drawn closer to God through Jesus by the power and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. In this, may you clearly understand his life purpose and be able to live it. To God be the glory. Amen!
An affirmation for today – “If I don’t stand firmly in my faith, I won’t stand at all.” Isaiah 7:9
Angela says
April 22, 2010 at 6:59 PMMany things stood out for me in this post, chief of which is “It’s only by the power and guiding of the Holy Spirit within us that we can love God and others and be more Christ-like as God desires to fill us with the fullness of his presence.” I discovered recently that I am able to love someone and keep on praying for that person even though they hurt me really badly. Only the Holy Spirit could make that happen.
Sandy Groom says
April 22, 2010 at 8:36 PM“It’s only by the power and guiding of the Holy Spirit within us that we can love God and others and be more Christ-like as God desires to fill us with the fullness of his presence.”
Isn’t it wonderful that our Lord desires to fill us with himself; that he fills us with his love and makes us more like him as we walk with him daily.
Thank you for your beautiful devotional.
Sandy G. at — http://hopeforhurtinghearts.blogspot.com
Danielle says
April 23, 2010 at 12:12 PMIt is amazing what forgiveness can do! Thank you for this post, it helps to see everything I believe laid out and integrated with scripture. I just wanted to comment on our prayers for others. Currently I am trying to pray for others and remain unbiased. They should not be an object of our minds but of our hearts, and we should focus on God being present in their lives to work with them rather than the faults we may see that they posess. When we pray for their faults we are overlooking our own and no longer tuned in to their heart. Difficult to do sometimes but refreshing when we are not concerned with the potential of others and simply accept and encourage.
Dale Fletcher says
April 23, 2010 at 12:44 PMI appreciate your comments Danielle. And also that you are praying for others in the way you describe! May God bless you in your prayer ministry.
Dean S says
April 27, 2010 at 3:15 PMThank you for your comments, and encouragement to read consistently the Word of God.