* The ability to recognize and choose good and reject evil. Adam and Eve partook of the Law of God, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, before they were nurtured with the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. Therefore that which would have given them life brought death to them. When the law of God comes to us sin revives and we die, unless we have the body and blood of Christ so our sin is forgiven and then overcome by Divine Life.

The knowledge of good and evil is an aspect of eternal life. In fact, to grow in Christ means to grow in the ability to judge between good and evil.

It is not enough just to recognize evil. The Law enables us to recognize evil. But as we press into the Life of Jesus Christ we gain the willingness and strength to choose the good and reject the evil. Embracing the good and renouncing the evil is an important aspect of the Life of God.

* A passion for holiness, for moral purity. When God gave to Israel the Tabernacle of the Congregation and the priesthood He emphasized holiness. Through the laws governing clean and unclean food, how to deal with skin disease, with issues of blood, with dead bodies, and numerous other things and situations, God stressed the need for cleanliness.

"Be holy for I am holy!"

Since Jesus came we no longer are dealing with unclean foods and the washing of pots and pans but with unclean spirits. Early in our Christian experience we may find God's insistence on moral purity somewhat unpleasant. His fire is not always welcome.

But if we persevere there comes a time when we love the fire of God, we love His holy Presence, holiness becomes a passion.

Jesus' love for us demands that we be with Him where He is, in the center of the Consuming Fire. This is where the saint longs to dwell—in the midst of the fiery Presence of the Holy One of Israel. Such a passion is an aspect of eternal life.

The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: "Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?" He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil— (Isaiah 33:14,15—NIV)

* The ability to see the relative worthlessness of the ways of the world. I suppose it takes a while for most of us to see that the flesh profits nothing, as the Lord Jesus stated. In the present hour there is in America, and no doubt numerous other countries, a plethora of distractions. These include forms of entertainment, technological advances, and the pursuit of money.

It is so easy to get caught up in some fascinating enterprise to the extent we have little time and strength left to give to the Lord. The most worthwhile effort we make is to keep ourselves in the Presence of Christ and God. The world clamors constantly for attention like a spoiled child. It requires a heroic effort to throw off that which barrages us constantly that we might keep ourselves instantly aware of Christ and the Father, looking for Their will and pleasure in all we are doing.

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. (John 6:63—NIV)

To be continued.