“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Luke 22:32
The litmus test concerning the depth of our conversion in God is revealed in a desire and passion to strengthen our brothers and sisters. The love of Christ flows through those in whom He lives. He is the life of the Body, and He is the love of the Body.
“and He died for all, that the living ones
may live no more to themselves,
but to the One having died for them…”
2 Corinthians 15:5 (LITV)
The Living Ones
The “living ones” feel His press to see His Body grow into the grand unity of Christ Himself. Human systems cannot hold His life or respond to His eternal call to grasp what He apprehended us for. (Philippians 3:12)
Life in the Spirit requires a forsaking of self to discover the vastness and pulse of the “ONE having died for them”. While many seek external movings of God, overt manifestations and dramatic expressions of the Spirit, a true abiding relationship with Him is the basis of our transformation into His likeness.
Sacrificial living is but the “One having died for them” empowering the “living ones” to live in the same Spirit. The litmus test of Christ within is revealed in our desire to strengthen and exhort His people unto “love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
“Strengthen thy Brethren”
Christ is ever serving, lifting and pouring Himself into His Body; those who hold His life within do the same. Life begets life. Deep calleth unto the deep in others.
“He that loveth his brother
abideth in the light…”
1 John 2:10
The Litmus Test – Part Two
Related Post – The Litmus Test (LINK)
The Real Love (LINK)
“Take care of giving up your first zeal; beware of cooling in the least degree. Ye were hot and earnest once; be hot and earnest still, and let the fire which once burnt within you still animate you. Be ye still men of might and vigour, men who serve their God with diligence and zeal.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Brian Troxel
