It was a crisp autumn afternoon in Collinsville, a town blending rich history with quirky Americana. The Christian book club, a group of devoted readers seeking spiritual insight, gathered in a cozy room at the historic D.D. Collins House. This month’s discussion centered around deepening faith and understanding what it means to truly live a Spirit-filled life. Lily, a devoted and knowledgeable leader, welcomed everyone warmly.

“Thank you all for coming today,” Lily began, her gentle voice carrying through the room. “We are here not just to discuss a book but to explore the truths that guide our walk with Christ. Today’s focus is on true shepherding, the concept of the carnal Christian, and how we prepare our hearts for Christ’s return.”

As everyone settled in, the conversation turned to the theme of shepherding.

“The true shepherd of God is one who gives himself for the flock,” Lily explained. “Not one who demands the flock give themselves to him.”

The group reflected on Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, the ultimate example of selfless leadership. A lively discussion ensued, with members sharing experiences of leaders who had shaped their faith. Lily emphasized that true spiritual leadership is about service, sacrifice, and leading others closer to Christ.

Moving to the next topic, Lily introduced the concept of the carnal Christian.

“A carnal Christian,” she said, “is someone who lives only on the body-conscious plane, ruled by their own desires rather than the Spirit.” She read from I Corinthians 2:15-16: ‘But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man… but we have the mind of Christ.’

“Living a Spirit-filled life means surrendering our natural inclinations and seeking God’s wisdom,” she continued. “When we live according to the flesh, we relate to the world as if we are merely animals, dominated by our desires. But when we are born again, our spirits are made alive, and we are invited to a higher way of living.”

One member, Sarah, shared her journey of transformation. “Before I fully committed my life to Christ, I was driven by my own plans, my own ambitions. It wasn’t until I surrendered my will that I felt true peace. God’s way is so much greater than anything I could have orchestrated.”

Lily nodded. “Exactly. And that surrender is a daily practice. It’s not just about what we say but how we live. Being a witness isn’t just about sharing the gospel with words—it’s about living it out.”

The discussion turned to how Christians often focus on blaming circumstances for their struggles instead of taking responsibility.

“You can rise above any background,” Lily said. “Your past doesn’t define you. Just as a paramedic doesn’t stop to cast blame when someone is hurt, we shouldn’t dwell on the reasons behind our struggles. We should focus on healing, on moving forward in Christ.”

The group nodded in agreement, some taking notes in their journals.

To illustrate, Lily shared an analogy. “Think about a car with a dead battery. If we don’t have the right understanding, we may just keep turning the key, hoping it will start. But we need power—God’s power—to move forward. Just like in life, we can’t rely on our strength alone.”

A deep sense of reflection filled the room. One of the members, Jacob, shared how he had spent years trying to fix his problems through his own strength, only to find true change when he surrendered to God.

As the discussion shifted to preparation for Christ’s return, Lily read Matthew 24:42: ‘Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.’

“We need to be ready,” she urged. “Not out of fear, but out of love and expectation. Our hearts should be constantly aligned with His will.”

She spoke about how many Christians take faith for granted, waiting until hardships come before turning to God. “We should be proactive, not reactive. Be patient, stay faithful, and always seek Him.”

To close the meeting, the group discussed the importance of prayer and giving from the heart.

“God never wants us to give under pressure,” Lily said. “Whether it’s our time, our talents, or our resources, it should always come from a willing heart.”

With that, the meeting wrapped up with a heartfelt prayer. As members left the D.D. Collins House, many felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to living a Spirit-led life. Some planned to visit the Cahokia Mounds for quiet reflection, while others spoke of a dinner gathering at Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse to continue their fellowship.

One thing was certain—the message shared that day would stay with them, guiding their walk with Christ in the days to come.