Operating in the Spirit…mystical or practical?

We tend to think of operating in the Spirit as an exclusively mystical experience when in fact it is very practical but with supernatural manifestations and by supernatural means.

Operating in the Spirit is simply operating under the influence and freedom of God's love extended to us by grace in and through Christ i.e. The good news that we have complete righteousness given to us as a gift resulting in total access to God and are now unconditional recipients of his nonstop love, if we are in Christ.

A part of this good news is that God is now committed to us, always working in and through us for our good and his glory, no matter what. This is good news not just regarding entry into the kingdom but good news regarding our ongoing daily operation in the kingdom and his working within and on behalf of us, his children. For more click here. 

When we grasp the full extent of God's love revealed to us by his Spirit, it
"lights us up" with energy/life that flows out through us to others.

God's love by his Spirit gives to us what has been missing ever since Adam and Eve disconnected from God through their rebellious unbelief. Outside of or without the Spirits influencing and moving us, we carry on in that same rebellion, brokenness, and blindness.

Before God took up residency and his abode in us by his Spirit - Love - we were like a fully decorated but unlit Christmas tree sitting alone in the dark. His love revealed to us in Christ and infused in us by his Spirit turned the lights back on. 

As long as we remain plugged into the energy source (abide in his love) we will bear much fruit, bringing glory to him (give off light/energy/

action that puts him on display). If we are not plugged in there will be no action, energy or light for Him or by Him.

If we ever forget and began to think this light and energy comes from us it's like pulling away from the source (unplugging from the light socket) causing us to go dark.

The difference now is nothing blocks the socket; we always have access to the plug.

For more on living by grace; according to the gospel; empowered by the Spirit click here.