The Perspective: Christ Formed In You

Scripture: Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The kingdom of God is inside us. It is the person of Jesus Christ. Attributes include righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Eating and drinking are “external factors”—perishing activities that feed a perishing physical body. They are among the things we can see. The internal workings of the Spirit are eternal, unseen except as they are reflected in our behavior. These attributes are part of the divine character God wants to work out in us.
Paul prayed, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)
This “overflowing” is God working in us in response to our placing our trust and faith in him. By the power of the Spirit we can overflow with hope.
Our circumstances are always changing. My mother once said, “The picture changes.” For most of us the picture of our circumstances changes daily. One day it is sunny. Other days it rains. Only the Holy Spirit can produce the hope that anchors our soul.
My mother also said, “This too will pass.” Nothing is permanent in this temporary world.
We have to realize just what kind of a world we are presently living in:
“…For the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31, NKJV)
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
We are being renewed inwardly by the Holy Spirit. This is one of the major reasons we need to be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. He gives us the spiritual empowerment, life, and hope that enables us to live in this environment held under the sway of the evil one. If we practice the principles of KingdomNomics—SOAK, SOW, AND FLOW—we will experience continuous renewal in the Holy Spirit.
Today, ask yourself:

What is one thing I can do today to cultivate a Godly perspective with regard to what is happening in the world around me?