In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, there's a stirring call for believers to elevate their spiritual walk and tap into a higher realm of God's power and presence. This isn't just about attending church or going through religious motions – it's about a transformative encounter with the living God that changes everything.
At the heart of this spiritual ascension is a profound truth: when we truly understand who God is, worship becomes our natural response. It's not forced or contrived; it flows effortlessly from a place of revelation and understanding of God's greatness. This begs an important question for each of us: What does the depth of our worship reveal about our current understanding of who God is?
The challenge before us is clear – don't just go through the motions. Engage with and encounter Jesus in a real, personal way. This isn't about performance or putting on a show. It's about an authentic connection with the Divine that transforms us from the inside out.
Interestingly, there's a reason why people often reference the past when discussing powerful manifestations of God's presence. We hear stories of revivals, miracles, and move of the Spirit from bygone eras and wonder, "Why don't we see that today?" The uncomfortable truth is that the modern church, especially in the Western world, has often shied away from the level of consecration that our predecessors embraced.
We can't even manage to consistently hold family devotions or teach our children about faith, let alone tap into the kind of spiritual power that shook nations. If we want to wield the power like the early church that gathered in the upper room, we need to understand that it wasn't a one-man show. The Book of Acts records that the work was done not just by the apostles, but by all who were part of the church community.
To truly go higher in our spiritual lives, we must become the "principalities" of our regions, holding hostage the powers that rule in darkness. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2, the kingdom of God is not just in words, but in power.
Paul's words to the Corinthians serve as a powerful reminder of what true spiritual authority looks like. He didn't come with flowery speech or human wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. His goal was clear – that the faith of believers would not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.
This power isn't just for show. It's a manifestation of the wisdom of God – a hidden wisdom that the world doesn't understand. It's revealed to us by the Spirit, who searches the deep things of God. This is how we receive "the mind of Christ" – the ability to see and understand things from God's perspective.
So how do we practically "go higher" in our spiritual lives? Several key elements emerge:
Unity: Psalm 133:1 reminds us, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." There's a supernatural power released when believers come together in true harmony.
Daily Encounters: Both personal and corporate encounters with God are crucial. From Moses at the burning bush to the disciples' experiences with the resurrected Jesus, Scripture is filled with examples of life-changing divine encounters.
The Fear of the Lord: This isn't about being terrified of God, but having a deep reverence and awe for His power and authority. The fear of the Lord deepens our love for Him, aligns our hearts with His purposes, and gives us a proper perspective on who He truly is.
In our current age, there seems to be a famine of the fear of the Lord. People have lost their reverence for God, forgetting that this fear isn't just a thought – it's an action. As 2 Timothy 3 warns us, the last days will be marked by people who love themselves more than God, who have a form of godliness but deny its power.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It causes us to love justice and truth, and empowers us to represent God accurately in our culture. Without it, we risk misrepresenting Him to a world desperately in need of His truth and love.
Prayer and Intercession: Prayer is the lifeblood of the Church. We must be a people committed to fervent, consistent prayer. The journey of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when we neglect prayer and fall into complaining and murmuring. What should have been an 11-day journey turned into 40 years of wandering because of their attitude.
Impartation of Prayer Language: The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2, is a powerful tool for deepening our prayer lives and connecting with God on a more intimate level.
As we embrace these principles and pursue a deeper walk with God, we open ourselves up to a new level of spiritual power and authority. We begin to see with the mind of Christ – gaining His perspective to navigate cultural challenges, stand firm in the face of opposition, and demonstrate His wisdom in every area of life.
This isn't about becoming more religious. It's about allowing the power of God to transform us from the inside out, enabling us to stand out in our workplaces, excel in our studies, and make a real difference in every sphere of influence.
The call to "go higher" is more than just a catchy phrase. It's an invitation to step into the fullness of what God has for us – to move beyond comfortable Christianity into a realm of power, authority, and intimate connection with the Divine. As we do, we'll find ourselves equipped to face every giant, overcome every obstacle, and truly represent Christ in a world desperate for authentic encounters with God.
Are you ready to answer the call? The journey higher begins with a single step – a decision to pursue God with everything you have, to lean into His presence, and to allow His power to flow through you. The world is waiting for a demonstration of God's power. Will you be the one to show it?
Comments