Doing Things His Way

 In the Bible, born-again  Christians are asked to present their bodies to God as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12: 1)

What does that mean in daily living?

It got me thinking of a Star Trek episode and I decided to watch it again.

In the episode called "The Nth Degree", after Lt Barclay, who is usually very shy and lacks confidence, is knocked out by an alien probe, he suddenly becomes super-intelligent. With his newfound intelligence, he becomes super-arrogant. It turns out Barclay has been possessed by these advanced alien race called the Cytherians, who  have reprogrammed Barclay so he could bring the ship to their universe in order to exchange information. After the Cytherians release Barclay, he goes back to being his normal self, though he discovers he has been left with the ability to play chess.

While I found the idea of being given super-intelligence interesting, I believe God doesn't operate in that manner. All born-again Christians have got the Holy Spirit living in them, however, He would never possess us as He has given us freewill to choose life in every moment. (Deuteronomy 30:19). Here's an example I experienced today at work.

During our brief, I didn't like the way a duty manager had spoken to me about my valid request to not be in a certain position. I decided I was going to have a chat with her about how she had made me feel. On the way to my first position, I saw the same manager, but I decided not to speak to her at that moment. While I was invigilating in this gallery, I asked God to help me with my hurt feeling. I was inspired to forgive both managers. Now that I was no longer in my ego, I could see the manager wasn't against me, she had good intentions. I was then inspired to try the position I had been reluctant to be in. The other duty manager arranged for an experienced staff to train me and it turned out well. At the end of my shift, I saw the first duty manager I had been upset with. She was on her way home. I smiled at her, wished her well and told I hoped to see her soon.

Although I offer my body daily as a living sacrifice, the Holy Spirit still respects my freewill and always let's me choose whether to do things His way or my way. I'm glad I did obey Him, which made for a harmonious work environment. 

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your constant guidance. Help me to do the right thing at all times.❤️

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Relevant Bible verses:

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" Deuteronomy 30:19

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14: 15-186

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14: 26

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12: 1-2

Image from the Star Trek episode (TNG: S4, E19) with my caption.