HAVING A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS

HAVING A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS
by Bill Faught, Jr.
August 1st, 2007

Gen 5:21-25
21 Enoch was sixty-five years old when his son Methuselah was born. Afterwards he lived another 300 years in fellowship with God, and produced sons and daughters; then, when he was 365, and in constant touch with God, he disappeared, for God took him!
(The Living Bible)

Most of us have no problem being conscious of our sin — but being more conscious of God, now... that trips us up. Here’s why:

God created Adam in His image. This image or likeness of God included the ability to be fruitful and multiply; to rule over all the creatures; and God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Adam became a living being. This breath of life can be compared to kindling a fire within Adam. This fire came from God, was about God, and was for God. This was the fire of intimacy...with God!

In essense, Adam reflected what he wore. He wore the image of God. He lived with God; He walked with God; he conversed with God. Indeed, everything was centered on God. There was no shame in man’s nakedness. God was their covering too!

We also know Adam reflected what he wore by the garment of skin God chose to cover him with after sin entered the picture. The first choice of covering was fig leaves, but, soon enough, man turned to the stench of animals for their covering. This act of covering up from the coat of an animal came from a sacrifice. Blood had to be shed to cover up man’s shame.

In this state, man immediately began looking, smelling and behaved differently from God. Man took on a new image. Again...you become like what you wear. This new look also reflected a lack of God consciousness. Sin separated man from his God.

JESUS, THE SECOND ADAM-

1 John 3:8 states the purpose Jesus, the Second Adam, went public to illuminate Himself to the world. John writes, “...that He might destroy the works of the devil”. Now, this destruction Jesus came to enact is more than simply taking a sledge hammer to the devil. The word “destroy” also refers to loosen, break up (or off) and dissolve the works of the devil.

Get the picture? Jesus not only took our sin upon Himself and the penalty that came with it, He also wanted to deal with the identity of sin and stench of sin which came from generations of wearing the wrong stuff. We had not been bearing His name; we had brought Him shame. This is the essence of a sin conscious person. They are constantly aware of how short they STILL fall of the glory of God and fail to realize the exchange of identity Jesus STILL offers.

Isaiah prophesied it, saying, “I’ll give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...”. I call this the “Divine Exchange”. Get real! Jesus dealt with our sin, but He also dealt with the “works” of the devil. His work is centered on lies and to keep us bearing the stinch of shame. But the truth is: Jesus took care of that too! If we are in Christ Jesus, condemnation should not be part of our vocabulary or behavior patterns.

1 Cor 15:45, 49 says, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (KJV) Isaiah 61:1 declares, “For your shame (the feeling, the condition, as well as its cause), you shall have double...”

AN EXAMPLE OF BEING CONSCIOUS OF GOD

You probably wondered if we would ever get to the opening text. Well, here it is. Let me remind you of the scripture. Genesis 5:22-24 reads, “Enoch was sixty-five years old when his son Methuselah was born. Afterwards he lived another 300 years in fellowship with God, and produced sons and daughters; then, when he was 365, and in constant touch with God, he disappeared, for God took him!

Now, I’ve highlighted two words in particular that should make the conclusion want you to shout for joy!

The word “disappeared” also means was not, did not exist or became a non-entity. Interesting. Isn’t it? Enoch found the “God spot”. In the midst of increasing wickedness (sounds like our day), he, Enoch, fellowship with God. He was in constant touch with God. We know this is encouraged and, for some, fellowship with God is a growing reality. But what about the “disappearing act”? What’s that all about.

The word “took” here also means carried away, drew, infolded, placed, received, seized, sent for, won. The last stroke on the canvas is seen here! Enoch’s walk with God was not that of a Sunday Christian. His fellowship with God was absorbing; it was consuming; it was life changing; it was enfolding; it drew Enoch in; it was a seizing event. Enoch’s heart had been captured... conquered...won. This pre-New Testament, pre-Christ covenant style of relationship is a bright spot in the history of fallen man.

In closing, let’s look at some of the attributes of sin consciousness vs. a God consciousness:

Lack of Prayer: Prayer = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Worship: Worship = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Time in God’s presence: Time = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Faith (unbelief): Faith = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Obedience: Obedience = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Submission: Submission = intimate fellowship with God

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS?

A close, intimate relationship with the Lord
An easier access through His gates, courts and holy places
Losing track of time, as we long to remain in His presence
Faith becomes our lifestyle, as limit by limit and veil by veil is removed
Deception loses its hold on us

Attacks from the enemy remain in the realm of intrusion instead of legal ground, when you and I are more conscious of God than sin. Satan's attacks are then viewed as attempts which ultimately keep me in God’s face, not driving me into the depths of self-pity.

A greater awareness of God’s ways and paths. A sign of sonship is walking in the Spirit. Flesh works at negating this awareness, as we are made more aware of our needs, wants, desires, offenses, hurts and pain (this is part of the cloak of sin placed upon Adam).

The choice was made by Jesus. Your destiny has been revealed. Now... what are you going to do with it? Don’t spit in Jesus’ face by rejecting the sweet, intimate fellowship He offers. The way for the glory of relationship to be fully restored was paid for two thousand years ago. Who knows, you could be the next “Enoch”. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Get caught up with God! Get lost in Jesus!