⁴But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 

1 John 4:4

Bullies operate on the premise of fear. Igniting fear by claiming to be bigger, scarier, faster and more powerful than others, they make a person feel small and vulnerable. In order to keep the bully happy, the bullied gives in to the demands of the other. It might be for money, favors or tasks, but a person acquiesces because that seems the only viable option.

Enter the enemy of our souls. Monday, I exposed his lies as a twist of what is actually true and encouraged you to take a stand against him by the word of your testimony. Not today Satan!

Tuesday, I reminded you that Jesus’ voice is always speaking albeit quite soft. It requires a trained ear to hear to his gentle invitations and quiet reminders. His voice encourages, affirms and invites me to intimacy.

Today, I want to remind us that the spirit who lives within is greater than the spirit of the world. I know. We already know that. But it bears repeating. You see, my experience tells me that the bully is loud and brash. He throws his weight around to intimidate and scare me. He wants my lunch money; he wants me to do his homework; he wants me to carry his backpack. Monday we said, “Not today!” Today we are remembering that the Spirit within is greater than the spirit of the world!

Music speaks to me. This song ties it all together into one message. It’s a great proclamation of my position in Christ — adopted, forgiven, I belong — and that the enemy can’t take away who I am or what I have in Christ because the Spirit in me is greater than the spirit in the world! I pray it blesses you as well.