Things Unlike Him Fall Away

As the sunlight pours in, the dust particles floating in the air become visible—but the light doesn’t cause the dust, it only reveals it.

Based on A Rooted in Christ Devotional | Infinite & Intimate Interlude 2

Image Credit: Unsplash Devotional Credit: Abide Above

Today’s reflection from Miles Stanford leads us into the marvelous mystery of our position in Christ—no longer far off, but forever brought near by His blood (Ephesians 2:13). Until we know we are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), we cannot rightly face the truth about our sinful nature without slipping into shame or defeat.

This devotional reminds us that God doesn't ask us to manage the flesh, clean it up, or pretend it isn't there. Instead, He invites us to rest in our union with Christ—to behold the risen Lord and enjoy His presence. As we do, those things that once defined us, entangled us, or comforted us in the old life begin to fall away like leaves in autumn. Not by our effort, but by the Spirit’s quiet work of grace.

Spiritual maturity, then, is not about managing sin—it is about enjoying Jesus. As we fix our gaze on Him, the difference between His holiness and our flesh becomes more clear—yet we remain safe, secure, and rejoicing, because He has already crucified the old man (Romans 8:9; Philippians 3:3). We are not working to be accepted. We are accepted, and so we walk.

🎓 Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I have brought you near—not by your striving or sincerity, but by the precious blood of Christ. You were once far off, but now you are hidden with Me in Him, forever secure. Your life is not anchored in the instability of the flesh, but in the unchanging nearness of My Son.

From this safe place, I reveal to you the old nature—not to shame you, but to show you how far I’ve brought you. The more you see My holiness, the more the old ways appear distant and undesirable. But you need not fear that distance, for you are already set apart from it. I did not call you to fix the flesh, but to walk in the Spirit who already dwells in you.

This is the rhythm of your transformation: as the beauty of Christ fills your vision, the things unlike Him fall away. You do not have to prune the old man—I have already crucified him with Christ. Instead, look unto Jesus. He is the author and finisher of your faith, and I am working in you both to will and to do according to My good pleasure.

Let the Word dwell in you richly. It discerns, divides, and directs. It pierces through the fog of self-effort and invites you to abide in the clarity of grace. I am not asking you to climb upward toward Me—I have placed you at My side. Your joy will deepen as your gaze remains fixed not on yourself, but on your Savior.

Scriptures referenced: Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 3:3; Romans 8:9; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 4:12

🪜 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like opening the blinds in a dark room. As the sunlight pours in, the dust particles floating in the air become visible—but the light doesn’t cause the dust, it only reveals it. And in that brightness, you no longer focus on the dust—you enjoy the warmth of the light.

🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence

Father, I rejoice that I am no longer far from You. I have been brought near—not by effort, but by the blood of Christ. From this place of nearness, You lovingly expose what no longer belongs to me. I rest in the truth that I am not condemned by the sinfulness You reveal, for I am already in Christ. Thank You for the clarity Your Word brings and for the way Your Spirit quietly draws me to Jesus, moment by moment. I delight in being Yours and trust You to continue forming Christ in me as I behold Him.

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 3:3, Romans 8:9, Philippians 3:3, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 4:12