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Commentary on "The Atmosphere of Praise"

TERRY MIRRA

 

Day 6: Thursday, May 20, 2010

 

OVERVIEW

Today’s discussion focuses on the “emotional atmosphere”, such as attitudes, feelings, emotions, support and affirmation; it can be positive or negative. Ellen G. White’s quote from Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 339, describes how every soul is surrounded by an “atmosphere of its own”, and that this atmosphere affects every person with whom we come into contact with, either consciously or unconsciously. The last part talks about the “atmosphere of heaven” and gives some verses. It ends with the statement, “we are called to action, to breathe the pure air of heaven now and be surrounded by the atmosphere of the heavenly home as we complete our sojourn on this earth.” The questions are asked, “What kind of atmosphere surrounds you? That is, your words, your demeanor, your attitudes; are they more reflective of the lowlands of earth or of the promises of heaven? What does your answer tell you about yourself and your need to change?”

 

OBSERVATIONS

There is nothing biblically significant presented here. Instead of focusing on the earth’s atmosphere, as has been done throughout most of the week, the emphasis is now on an emotional and subjective atmosphere. The language used could almost be interchangeable with “vibe, energy or aura”. At one level, it could be defined as simply “mood”. While our attitudes, feelings and emotions can influence our general mood, this atmosphere has nothing biblical about it. As believers we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and are born again (Rom. 8:14, 16, 17), we are sealed as Christ’s (2 Cor. 1:21, 22; Eph. 4:30), and with a changed heart, we then exhibit fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-25). As we daily submit to God, our behaviors and “attitudes/atmospheres” will change. If you “walk by the Spirit, you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (vs. 16). There’s no vibe or magic about it: The Holy Spirit changes us—our “personal atmosphere”, if you will. Aside from Christ, we can do nothing to change our own atmosphere. Any attempts on our part, other than submitting to Christ and having Him work in us, is temporary and superficial. When we focus on God, who He is, and His great sacrifice for us (the gospel), we can avoid focusing on self. The only “atmosphere of heaven” we can breathe in down here on this earth is the joy and peace that come from knowing Jesus and that we are secure in Him. Our salvation is sealed. This is what produces an “atmosphere of praise”. Attempting to obtain some kind of heavenly atmosphere (or spiritual nirvana) is not biblical. It’s not about our emotions, spiritual experiences, or positive thinking—it’s all about Jesus and how we glorify Him. As we take the focus off of self and put in on Christ, the outward “atmospheres” will automatically change. It’s not about what we can change, but who can change us. Only Jesus can change us internally where authentic change occurs.

 

CONCLUSIONS

  1. The author’s use of “atmosphere” has nothing biblical about it—simply emotional and subjective. It has hints of “vibe, energy and aura” about it.
  2. As believers, we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit, born again, and sealed as His. A changed heart produces fruit of the Spirit, and a changed “attitude/atmosphere”.
  3. There’s no vibe or magic about it: The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out—our “personal atmosphere”, if you will.
  4. It’s about God’s changes in us, not making external behavioral changes.
  5. We need to focus on God, not self. It’s not about our subjective spiritual experiences, but being obedient to God and submitting to Him and His will daily.
  6. Attempting to obtain some kind of “heavenly atmosphere” (spiritual nirvana) is not biblical. It’s not about our emotions—it’s all about Jesus. The “atmosphere” will then take care of itself.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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