Have you ever seen that hilarious routine “Who’s on First?” by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello? As far as comedy goes it’s definitely worth the time. Today I would like to present a different question to my fellow Believers—Who’s in Charge!?

More specifically when it comes to making decisions regarding what you’re desiring to do versus what you should do. The line between right and wrong, at least where The Word is concerned, is never so thin. In fact, it’s quite bold.

The day you were born again (spiritually) a new Sherriff arrived in town—The Holy Spirit. When that happened, your flesh had one question and one question only… “Who are You supposed to be?” Well, the answer to that question is simple, He’s the new Standard by which we are supposed to live. But don’t think for a moment that your flesh is just going to kindly yield to your new found way of living. It will have more than a few objections so you need to be prepared to fight. It’s not just YOUR reputation on the line any more.

It’s NOT About You!

Selfishly thinking that you can continue walking through life as if no changes are required is by far the greatest example of a Believer being naïve you will ever display. As a Born-Again Believer you are now a living breathing representative of the most powerful Kingdom in existence, The Kingdom of God. Every choice you make in life will now be a reflection of either that Kingdom—which extends from Heaven, or the kingdom of darkness—which governs this world’s way of thinking.

Paul says it this way in his 2^nd writing to the church in Corinth: “But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, making us acceptable to Him, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation so that by our example we might bring others to Him. [19] That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them but canceling them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation—that is, restoration to favor with God. [20] So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we as Christ’s representatives plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20 AMP). No pressure in that scripture at all😬.

This means that whether it be in conversation, in conduct, or even in our thought life, in every thing we do we are representing the standard of God Himself. Every choice and path you have taken and will take since the day you were born again, you are either being a true representation, or a very poor one. Whether it’s difficult or not is debatable, but it is definitely doable. Thankfully, the Word also tells us the how. Isn’t God the best Father ever!

 

JUST TELL ME HOW!!

It would be severely irresponsible of God as our Heavenly Father to give us so many instructions for seemingly impossible requirements without both telling us how to do it and providing the tools to do it with. And let’s face it, when it comes to fathers The Most High will always be the greatest there is. Just like He provided the Children of Israel with the law and specific commandments in the Old Covenant as guidance, He has also made provisions for those who live under the New & Better Covenant (see Hebrews Ch. 7).

Remember that “New Sherrif” I referenced above (The Holy Spirit), He’s our helper. John 14:25-26 AMPC tells us: I have told you these things while I(Jesus) am still with you. But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name—in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. I’m sorry, what was that excuse you were trying to sell again? 😊

Do you see why we have a “new & better” covenant? I mean look at those titles: Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby. Considering taking an ungodly action because you don’t know what to do? — Have you asked your Counselor? Perhaps you’re dealing with a heavy load of anxiety and depression and just don’t feel like making righteous decisions today—perhaps a moment with The Comforter. “The peer pressure is on 1000 and I don’t think I’m strong enough to deal so I’ll just give in this once”—take a second or two with The Strengthener…He’s gotchu! “Man, I really desire to go to that movie but it has so much inappropriate language and activity”—The Intercessor is interceding on your behalf, The Helper will guide you, and The Standby has already secured a more viable activity that you will enjoy even more. Each time you choose God it will increase your spiritual strength. Paul, in his first letter to Corinth said it like this: 1 Corinthians 9:27—But like a boxer I buffet my body, handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit—not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit. Paul was willing to fight with every fiber of his being so he doesn’t misrepresent the Kingdom…and you should be too. There is absolutely no area of life that God has not prepared you for. As you spend time with God and in His Word your spiritual strength & ability to resist the enemy will increase, as will your desire to please God.  

Finally, My Brethren

Sure, the line between right and wrong can sometimes seem blurred. However, the Word of God exists as the standard of which side of that line our actions should always fall. Can the choices be difficult at times…yes, they can be. But that does not exclude you from your responsibility to make them. Your flesh will always desire that which carries short-term pleasure & will always be contrary to your spirit (Galatians 5:17). However, it is your reasonable duty to strengthen your spirit through study, meditation, and conversation with The Father so those right choices become as easy as breathing. Allowing your spirit, with the assistance of your Helper, to always be the one who’s in charge.

It may require you to disagree with family, friends, co-workers, or even your leaders at work. It may even come with unfavorable consequences in the natural. But remember your Standby. If the immediate short-term outcome is not in your favor that means God has already secured a more favorable outcome in the end. He always has the final Word.

Be Blessed!

Sources:

Who’s on First?

Abbott & Costello. 1944. Who’s on First?. https://youtu.be/sYOUFGfK4bU?si=Mr8pQGPpCOcGZ_Du.