To bear someone’s image means to possess their character and true nature. If God is Spirit, then that means His Spirit is what He put in man; the Spirit is the Holy Spirit. When God spoke about our “death” after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis, He was referring to the departure of His Spirit from man. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is who brings about the image of God in us. We will know that we are carriers of the Holy Spirit by the way we live (see Matthew 7:15–18); our actions should evidently reflect God. Galatians 5:22–23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which is the evidence that clearly reflects God’s image. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, He produces in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are called the ‘fruit’ of the Spirit because they work hand in hand, and if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, they ought to manifest!

The image of God is important for all believers to reflect, especially because we live as God’s ambassadors, representing His kingdom on earth. Others should be able to see what it looks like to be from the kingdom. However, not everyone will believe in God by simply reflecting His image. In fact, many will need to see miracles and so this is where the gift of the Spirit comes in. The image of God needs to be so strong in us so that the gift will properly manifest and operate through us. So while we wait for Christ’s return, we also have work to do! We are called to reflect God’s image and to actively demonstrate His power in the world.

In the different gifts we have each received from God, He has also established us in spheres of influence, whether it is in our families, in our friendships, at school, work, or in our communities. Called to be ambassadors of Christ, the kingdom of heaven backs us up in the infinite might and wisdom of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5; Matthew 28:17–18). Only through the Spirit of God can we be legitimate representatives of the kingdom, upholding the values and cultures of heaven here on earth (Romans 8:14-16; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12).

Likewise, we were not called to win arguments but to reconcile hearts with the Father in Heaven by demonstrating the Fruit of fellowship with Christ (Galatians 5:22). Joseph excelled in every sphere of influence—even in prison—reminding us that we are the Light of the World because God is the Father of lights (James 1:17). His nature of excellence also transpires in us, if we are willing to believe.

To be a responsible ambassador of Christ is to seize every opportunity to portray the Love of God in its varied expressions to a world seeking the Savior, Jesus Christ. To be in true with the Holy Spirit and the hearts He seek to heal, to bless an encounter with a gentle and considerate speech, whether in love or in prayer, to stand in the gap of our families and communities, not for our sake, but in the commitment to bring precious souls back to Jesus Christ—such is what a kingdom representative rejoices in.

Second, God bestows on us the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who is crucial to comprehending the Word, enabling us to recognize Jesus Christ in all of Scripture. Lastly, God gives us the ministry of a teaching priest—someone to impart the knowledge of God to us. We should always look back at these three areas if we find ourselves at a standstill in our spiritual development.

When the Word of God comes, it must dwell within us before it can be fruitful in our lives. In John 15:7, Jesus Christ invites us to remain in Him as His Word remains in us. When we remain in Him long enough, we experience complete and sure transformation. God’s Word is the raw material for bringing about what is necessary in the present and enduring for the future.

Now the understanding of the Word is crucial for us as it gives us the ability to be wise and live according to God’s Will. Godly wisdom has more to do with works than with words (see Mark 6:2), meaning it is in the application of the Word of God that we show our understanding. Sometimes we get the Word and use something else to interpret it (such as using life circumstances).

Knowledge of the Word also comes with responsibility. Oftentimes we receive the Word but don’t stay long enough to understand what it requires of us. Our sins or righteousness do not affect our ability to know what to do, as those have already been dealt with at the cross. Rather, our effectiveness is only as much as our capacity to understand the Word and so we should not be ignorant (biblically, this means foolish). Thankfully, the Holy Spirit, who deals with foolishness, also empowers wisdom. So let us yield to His leadership and guidance.

As descendants of Adam, we inherited a sinful nature, identified as sinners through his disobedience (Romans 5:19). Our own efforts, no matter how good, cannot redeem us. Adam’s disobedience corrupted our thoughts, desires, and emotions, separating us from God’s intended joy, contentment, and peace.

Through Jesus’ obedience, the second Adam, our identity is restored to God’s likeness (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our emotions now emanate from our restored identity in Christ, not our fallen nature. God provided Christ as the perfect offering, fulfilling the old covenant sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7). His death accomplished the Father’s will, bringing peace, friendship, and harmony between us and God.

As our spirit is saved, our minds are continually renewed through the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, Allos Parakletos. He comforts us in our emotional struggles and empowers us to separate our identity from our feelings, abiding and growing in the truth of God’s Word (Romans 8:21-23).

According to God’s Word, feelings serve as signals, indicating a need, but should not dictate our identity. Satan’s tactic is to deceive us into believing that our emotions define us, while our true identity is found in Christ, not in fleeting feelings.

The fall of creation has caused our emotions to often veer toward the negative. As John 3:19 and Romans 1:21 explain, fallen humanity is naturally drawn to darkness rather than light, reflecting our inclination toward sinful and destructive thoughts and emotions. These feelings reveal our need for a Savior, highlighting our inability to heal this brokenness on our own.

In the Garden of Eden, Satan targeted man’s mind, introducing doubt and deception. This illustrates the enemy’s strategy: planting deceptive thoughts that lead to negative feelings and actions. The Bible urges believers to take every thought captive to Christ’s obedience (2 Corinthians 10:1-5), emphasizing the importance of discerning and confronting harmful thoughts.

True transformation begins with a shift in focus—from self to Christ. Until we grasp that our identity is rooted in Christ’s finished work, not our efforts, emotions, or circumstances, we will struggle with deceived thinking. Romans 5:19 reminds us that we are made righteous through Christ’s obedience, freeing us from guilt and shame.

Each one of us holds certain realities as truths dear to them in that they would tarnish reputation, affect a relationship, or bring shame if shared. These are personal struggles, the truth about which is raw and not always pleasant. Unlike the “Truth that sets free,” these realities further isolate us. In appearance, we portray our best, yet privately, we suffer from depression, anxiety, illness, addiction, or finances.

How often do we step out, asking for help? Delaying the full expression of our identity in Christ comes from keeping our struggles to ourselves. “Lord, save me,” Peter cried out in the storm and Christ held him up (see Matthew 14:30). Concealing the truth of our reality—what we fail at or what we need assistance with—does not prosper us (Proverbs 28: 13). We dismiss the opportunity of experiencing Christ by denying our weakness (1 John 1: 6-9). Freedom, our portion as children of God, is at hand if we are willing to confess to Christ our difficulties.

We are to confess so we may be healed (see James 5:16). The word does not speak about being careless when exposing our struggle to just anybody -this is not to create a ministry of gossip- but it refers to “one another.” James was writing to believers and as such, we need to reach out to fellow believers so we may pray for one another. There are people God has anointed and equipped for your sake.

The Bible, deemed history’s most reliable book, contains 66 books by different authors, across three continents. Yet It remains consistent in conveying the message of Jesus Christ. Holy and sacred book, It timelessly equips us for the warfare of the mind. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we centre ourselves on what is true and honorable to God, overcoming gloomy and depressing thoughts in the mind (Phillipians 4: 8).

We must believe that it is life and light, guiding and convicting us (see Psalm 119:105). It sets the standard for righteous living and holiness, helping us look more like Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit (see Psalm 12:6). It teaches us that we are not condemned. Nullifying all accusations, whether present or future, by Satan.

Utilizing the Bible to its fullest inspires us to keep it open, applying Truth to our lives (James 1:22). Reading it with the Author spares us from misinterpretation and confusion, which hinder. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit conveys to us God’s intent, making His perfect Will for each one known to us (1 Corinthians 2:11–12, John 14:16–26). In our meditations, our spirit is kindled when we seek Jesus Christ, the literal Word of God made flesh.

In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul informs believers that the battles we face are not physical but are rather spiritual, encouraging us to be ready (see verse 13). Thus, equipping ourselves with the appropriate spiritual weapons is imperative. Whether through our eyes or ears, we are to let our mind be governed only by the Word of God, which we should carefully guard (Proverbs 4: 20-22). When we let our thoughts be influenced by the world, we dull our weapons for battle.

If we lack faith, fear and doubt creep into our minds. Consider the stories of Eve in the garden (Genesis 3) and of Jesus Christ in the wilderness, respectively (Matthew 4). Both tempted by the devil, but Christ, withstood him with God’s Written Word. Eve, on the other hand, was instilled with imagery that portrayed the fruit as more important than God’s instruction. Deceived, despite knowing the Truth, after the devil had inspired doubt in her mind.

Secondly, identity, symbolysing the “WHO” question. Here, just as Christ is proclaimed as God’s beloved Son after His baptism, Satan challenges it (see Matthew 3: 12 and Matthew 4: 6). Yet again, Jesus countered it with God’s Word, a reference for us whenever we face an identity crisis.

This highlights the need to confront deceptions about our reality with the truth of Scripture, recognizing that what God has for us is already ours, not to be obtained through worldly means. By keeping the Bible open and engaging with its Truth, we ensure we are continuously equipped with God’s armour (Ephesians 6: 11), safeguarding our minds against contradictions and deceptions from the enemy. This armour extends beyond physical readiness, influencing our thoughts and perceptions.

Receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior means actively being out and about for the Kingdom of God. This involves a genuine passion for and involvement in the salvation of others. A born-again Christian willingly participates in various ministry activities, such as sharing the Gospel, caring for the sick, engaging in youth events, evangelistic campaigns, or contributing tithes and offerings.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s often the things we hold dear that can challenge our surrender to Jesus Christ. For example, our wealth, as mentioned in Matthew 19:20-21, or our family and close relationships, as highlighted in Exodus 32:29, may stand between us and our growth in Christ. Other potential challenges may include our personal goals and desires.

Being out and about for Christ also includes contributing to the Kingdom of God through service and worship. God, as our loving Father, not only provides for our daily needs but also grants us wisdom. He uses times of prosperity to prepare us for times of need, as seen in Genesis 41:28-36. Giving can be challenging because it may seem like God always asks us to give during inconvenient times. However, when God calls us to give, He generously blesses us in return.

This not only garners favor among people on Earth but also accumulates treasures of eternal value in God’s Kingdom. Being out and about also means treating people well, even when we don’t immediately benefit from them. We may wonder, “Out and about but where?” Our natural inclination is to move away from crisis situations, but wisdom in crisis involves listening to where God wants us to be.

In conclusion, being out and about calls us to invest in the Kingdom of God. As the Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Safeguarding our hearts, as advised in Proverbs 4:23, entails investing our treasures in matters of God. This is the key to being good stewards of the resources in our lives, submitting them to God. Advancing the Kingdom of God is the most significant investment we can ever make.

It is of vital importance to know that as a Christian, there is no sin that God cannot forgive. We have a tendency to believe that God keeps track of our transgressions but He maintains no record of sin for those who are in Jesus Christ (Read Romans 8:1). This means, that all past, present, and future sins are forgiven the moment we accept Jesus Christ. Now the understanding of the forgiveness of sin is what causes it to come to a halt, for it will not happen by our own strength but by the strength of the Almighty (God). Romans 5:19 tells us that we became sinners because Adam sinned, taking his nature and likewise became righteous by taking Christ’s nature.

In John 8:1-11, Jesus tells the woman accused of adultery to go and sin no more. “Sin no more”, implies that there is a possibility to no longer sin. However, this is not to say that the flesh no longer exists and is made completely perfect; it still exists, with the propensity to sin. On the contrary, what it implies is that if we understand that we are not condemned, we will cease the will to sin for condemnation is what causes guilt (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17) which leads us back to sin. Furthermore, 1 John 2:1 tells us that if we sin (“if” implying that we may), we have an advocate (Jesus Christ) who pleads on our behalf.

Thus the revelation of forgiveness of sin will break the bondage of sin. If we rely on sanctifying ourselves before approaching God, we will not have the time to deal with every single sin; we may not even recall them all, but God knows all of them. So, instead of judging our standing based on our behaviors, we should judge our behaviors from our standing because our true identities come from what Jesus did, not what we did. Notice that every mistake has an adjective; and rather than merely observing the mistakes, we appropriate the adjective to ourselves (for example, I stole so I’m a thief). We are with Christ in heavenly realms, far above any mistakes therefore we are not what we do in action (sin); this is a lie from the Devil.

According to Colossians 2:13, God forgives all sin. Since humans can only forgive certain sins like the ones in the present but not the ones to come, it required someone who was out of time to forgive everything [Jesus Christ]. Therefore, if you give your life to Christ, ALL your sins will be forgiven. When you accept Christ as your Saviour, you become a new person- spiritually, not a ‘newborn’, but complete in Him (see Romans 8:9). However, salvation is still an ongoing process for your soul because your mind is still accustomed to the flesh (see Romans 7:18), but when you are exposed to the Word, listen to it, and understand your position in Christ, it sets you free and reminds you of who you’ve become in Him. The body (flesh) will be saved in the future and only then will there be no propensity to sin.

The forgiveness of sin is crucial because the person we want to be like is Jesus, and if you want to be like Him but are afraid to approach Him, you will be distant and unable to reflect His image. If you desire to be like Him and understand that there is no condemnation in Him, you will be closer to Him and this proximity will cause you to resemble Him. Instead of being ‘sin-conscious’, be ‘forgiving-conscious’. Therefore, rather than chasing behaviors, pursue proximity. Be close to God, serve Him, and do good. Do good because the Bible tells us that we overcome evil by doing good (Read Romans 12:21). This is only possible if we are close to Him because the ‘Law of the Spirit’ will apply and help us as a result of our proximity.

The parable Christ used (Luke 7:41-23) helps us understand that it is only when we realize how bad we are, that will persuade us to love Him even more. With that being said, remember that God forgives all sins, regardless of our past, present, or future, and that it is our right standing with God that really matters; not our mistakes, and what He demonstrated on the cross was a sign of His great love for us (see John 3:16). Jesus Christ, the Mediator is the only person who can stand between you and God hence the more proximity there is, the more you become Christ-like. Due to this, we are filled with the Holy Spirit who motivates us to do God-loving things, preventing us from non-willful sinning. Therefore, do not let sin bully you!