Ephesians 4:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
His Majesty
In the Medical News Today’s article about “Controlling People,” it says: “Sometimes people try to assert power over others and control situations. They may do this out of anxiety because they worry that things will go wrong if they do not maintain control. In other cases, it may be to assert dominance. In this case, it is a form of abuse.”
Paul’s prayer for the believers is that they may be strong in the Spirit. As they are strengthened, the indwelling of Christ may become more permanent to the core of their being. Both the power-hungry personality and Jesus Christ are up to “control people.” The difference however is that, first, the power hungry allows no choice but to accept him to be in control while Jesus Christ allows a willing acceptance for him to take control. Secondly, the more the former is in control, the more fear and restrictions. While with the latter, love and possibilities abound.
Christ’s indwelling leads to a bigger sphere of love in the believer’s inner being (vs. 17-19). When he is the resident King, he sheds more of his dominant virtue that passionately moves those in his control to gain outside dimensions of the relationship, therefore working out what has been worked from within. Such a beautiful scene reflects the true domain from the smallest but the most important part of the
being to the widest interest of God’s domain.
My Inmost
Heavenly Father, you are above and bigger in all the universe. Yet how grateful I am that you, in spite, desire to live with your Son at the center of my life. Grant me the passion that extends your desire to dwell with others, that they too, may appreciate the beauty of your dwelling. For in you should all the things be given back again and every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to your glory. In Jesus Christ, I pray, amen.
G.P. Improso
