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Paul is not saying here that the opposite of being controlled by a sense of fear-filled obligation is to feel no obligation at all. But what he is trying to say is that a true motive for serving God will never be found to have fear as its fuel. Verses 14 and 15 make this very clear. When we are led by the Spirit of God we will not receive from that Source an attitude of slavery which leads to fear. The opposite, or counterpart of the counterfeit, is a spirit of joyful abandon as children – even better, adopted children. For to be adopted as a child is to be specifically chosen, not just born. There is usually a great deal more intentionality in the planning of an adoption than there is in a natural birth. And just in case we still have to deal with our ingrained fears about this attitude of God toward us, the Spirit of God is ready and eager to testify with our spirit that we really are children of God.
Of course, this means that our spirit needs to testify to this fact so that the Spirit of God has opportunity to testify alongside, reinforce and embellish our testimony. I see the need for me to encourage and give in to every opportunity to indulge in confessing the truth about this relationship with God. It does not often feel safe or even reasonable to do so, but if I choose to do so the Spirit is waiting to reinforce my testimony and deepen my awareness of this reality.
I notice a number of uses of the word “with” throughout these verses. I have come to realize from the insights from Jim Wilder about how our mind works, that this is very often a clue that there is joy involved. The neurological definition for joy is when someone is glad to be with us, when we sense that we are special to them and they want to share our presence. This is particularly true in this case. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit...” – joy. “Fellow heirs with Christ” – joy. “We suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” – joy. The following verses even seem to imply that all of nature and creation is eager to share in our joy when it becomes more fully revealed.
God, make me more willing to enjoy Your presence today. Remind me to testify with my spirit and remember with my mind that I really am an adopted son of the awesome originator of the whole universe and have a very special connection to Your heart. Remind me of who I really am and what it looks like to live as a son instead of as a slave. Teach me what it means in this context to act like myself under any circumstances. I invite Your Son to take up residence inside of me and demonstrate what it looks like to be a son through Your transformation of my spirit.
