Having a Mary Spirit

1. Embrace the journey of spiritual transformation

"I'm so glad we have a Savior who loves us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way."

Transformation is a process. God desires to change us from the inside out, making us more like Jesus. This journey involves:

• Recognizing our need for change
• Surrendering to God's work in our lives
• Cooperating with the Holy Spirit's guidance

The path to spiritual growth is not always easy or comfortable, but it is worthwhile. As we allow God to work in us, we experience:

• Greater freedom from sin and destructive patterns
• Increased ability to love and serve others
• A deeper, more intimate relationship with God

2. Confront your inner "Flesh Woman" to grow in faith

"Flesh Woman doesn't need dark alleys and smoky bars to work her worst. I'm discovering she may flourish most in religious surroundings, carefully disguised in church-lady clothes."

Recognize your lower nature. The "Flesh Woman" represents our selfish, sinful tendencies that resist God's work in our lives. To overcome her influence:

• Identify specific areas where you struggle with self-centeredness
• Acknowledge the deceptive nature of pride and self-righteousness
• Surrender these areas to God's transforming power

Understanding the battle within ourselves is crucial for spiritual growth. By confronting our "Flesh Woman," we:

• Develop greater self-awareness
• Cultivate humility and dependence on God
• Experience more consistent victory over sin and temptation

3. Cultivate a "Mary spirit" of willingness and surrender

"May it be to me as you have said."

Embrace a posture of surrender. Mary's response to God's call exemplifies the attitude we should strive for in our spiritual lives. To cultivate a "Mary spirit":

• Listen attentively for God's voice and direction
• Respond with trust and obedience, even when it's difficult
• Surrender your plans and preferences to God's will

Developing a "Mary spirit" leads to:

• Greater intimacy with God
• Increased spiritual fruitfulness
• A life characterized by peace and purpose

4. Guard your heart as the wellspring of life

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Protect your inner life. Our hearts are the source of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. To guard our hearts effectively:

• Be mindful of what you allow into your mind and spirit
• Regularly examine your motives and attitudes
• Cultivate positive, life-giving habits and relationships

By diligently guarding our hearts, we:

• Maintain spiritual health and vitality
• Experience greater emotional stability
• Develop stronger, more authentic relationships

5. Practice humility to experience true spiritual growth

"Proud to be humble. It's really just another variation of 'me, me, me.'"

Embrace genuine humility. True humility is not self-deprecation or false modesty, but a realistic view of ourselves in light of God's greatness. To cultivate authentic humility:

• Recognize your dependence on God's grace
• Be willing to learn from others and receive correction
• Serve others without seeking recognition or praise

The benefits of practicing humility include:

• Greater openness to God's work in your life
• Improved relationships with others
• Increased spiritual wisdom and discernment

6. Harness the power of your words for positive change

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Use your words wisely. Our speech has tremendous power to impact ourselves and others. To harness this power for good:

• Think before you speak, considering the impact of your words
• Choose to speak words of encouragement and truth
• Avoid gossip, criticism, and negative self-talk

By using our words intentionally and positively, we:

• Build stronger, more supportive relationships
• Create a more positive environment around us
• Align our speech with God's purposes for our lives

7. Clothe yourself with Christ's character

"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Put on Christ-like qualities. As we grow spiritually, we are called to embody the character of Jesus. To do this effectively:

• Identify specific Christ-like traits you want to develop
• Consciously choose to act in ways that reflect these qualities
• Rely on the Holy Spirit's power to transform your character

Key Christ-like qualities to cultivate include:

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

As we clothe ourselves with Christ's character, we become:

• More effective witnesses for God's love
• Better equipped to serve others
• More closely aligned with God's purposes for our lives

8. Take small steps of obedience for lasting transformation

"Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step."

Embrace incremental growth. Lasting spiritual transformation often happens through small, consistent acts of obedience. To experience this growth:

• Focus on taking one step of obedience at a time
• Celebrate small victories and progress
• Trust God's faithfulness in the process of change

Benefits of this approach include:

• Sustained motivation for spiritual growth
• Greater resilience in the face of setbacks
• A deeper appreciation for God's work in your life

Remember that spiritual transformation is a lifelong journey. By embracing these principles and consistently applying them, you can experience the joy and freedom of becoming more like Christ.

Last updated: December 2, 2024