We are all different. We have different personalities and dispositions, but there is a certain kind of spirit that we should all share in common as Christians. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul tells us what it is. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

• A Spirit of Courage

A true Christian is a courageous Christian. Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear…” All spiritual cowards will perish in a devil’s hell (Revelation 21:8). As Christians, we should be bold in our stand for Christ (Philippians 1:20, 21).

I know that, as Christians, we are in the minority. It is because of this that some are afraid to stand for Jesus. What about you? Do you have the proper spirit to be a Christian? Do you stand for Christ? Is it your attitude that you will stand for Jesus regardless of the consequences in this life? It should be. It must be! Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:26. “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

• A Spirit of Power

The Greek word for power is “dunamis” and denotes many things, but all words that are derived from the root word “duna” have the basic meaning of being able or capable. That is the kind of spirit we should have, that is, an attitude of confidence that says “we are able.” Why? Because with Jesus on our side, we have power. Paul once said about Jesus, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12). John said, “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We have the power to overcome Satan and sin, not because we are greater than the devil, but be-cause our Lord is, and He has given us the strength to defeat the devil (Ephesians 6:10).

• A Spirit of Love

Any discussion of the proper spirit that we should possess as Christians must include love. There is no such thing as a Christian without the spirit of love, for the spirit of love is the spirit of Christianity. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 and you will find out how love behaves. If you have the spirit of love, you will behave accordingly.

• A Spirit of Self-Control

To have a spirit of self-control is to be sober-minded. This is why the KJV says that God has given us the spirit of a “sound mind.” So, what does it mean to have a sound mind? It is to follow sound reason and judgment, and not to be controlled by overwhelming passions. To have a spirit of self-control, then, means to have a sound mind that is alert, balanced, and under control. Paul reminds us that having self-control is the only way we can run the race of Christianity if we want to win an incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 24-27).

What kind of spirit do you have? Is it the spirit God, through His Word, has given you, or have you exchanged that spirit for something else? The proof is in the fruit of your life.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.