Recently, I watched a Finnish historical action film, SISU. The film is about a former soldier who discovers gold in the Lapland wilderness and tries to take the gold into the city, while German soldiers led by a ruthless SS officer battle him. I wish you could see all the battles the SISU goes through to reach his goal…
Some of you are on a pioneering journey through life's wilderness, seeking valuable treasures and facing resistance. Along the way, you may have met deceitful individuals who flatter you but seek to steal from you and possibly eliminate you. In trying to speak the truth with love, you might have found your reputation dragged through the mud by harsh words and slander. Amidst all this turmoil, a spiritual cleansing process is unfolding, shaping Christ within you.
Perhaps a story that Jesus told could help you find meaning in the challenges you are currently facing. “Imagine a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and search diligently until she finds it? When she does find it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Celebrate with me; I have found my lost coin.’ Similarly, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” - Luke 15:8-10 NIV
The spiritual purification process of cultivating a Christ-like character involves being open to experiencing the wilderness with a repentant heart and acknowledging that you may have been mistaken about certain things. It requires admitting to God that you can no longer proceed on your own and that you need the assistance and guidance of the Holy Spirit to mature and develop a Christ-like character within you.
I encourage you, if interested, to watch the film SISU, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you view it. Whether you watch the film or not, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the darkness within your heart and reveal any negative aspects. Seek Jesus' forgiveness and the Holy Spirit's assistance to cultivate Christ-like attitudes and thoughts. Request His guidance in purifying your untamed heart until you discover the lost treasures.
When you discover the lost treasures, be prepared to face resistance and conflict from those around you who may not have the best intentions. Embrace this struggle as a faithful soldier of Christ, understanding that the ultimate outcome of this battle is a victory granted by Christ. The hidden treasures you uncover along the way are yours to retain!
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