The point at which we recognize the “I Am” presence within us TO BE the living Christ and begin to learn what it means to abide in Him is an occasion of great joy. It is the first step in a process through which our self-consciousness (i.e. the carnal mind or egoic mind) begins to decrease and our Christ-consciousness (i.e. the mind of Christ in us) begins to increase. The end of this process, as far as this life is concerned, is to be crucified with Christ and to walk with him in newness of life (cf. Romans 6). In Galatians, Paul writes:
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:19-20).
Ideally, the time will come when you simply cease trying to tinker with God’s plan for your life, the carnal mind having been effectively crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). But why put it off? Why not submit wholly to His will, here and now? Elaborating on the themes of submission and contentment, touched on earlier, Paul writes:
“I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13).
There is a sense, of course, in which there is nothing that you can do and nothing that needs to be done. Simply enjoy the “I Am” presence which IS Christ-in-you, giving thanks in all things and trusting God to work in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Getting to Know Jesus in the 21st Century 