The Spiritual "It" Factor

The "it" factor is a phrase that I've heard tossed around for years. It often applies to those who excel in their particular niche in life. For example, we might say an actor or athlete stands above the crowd in their work because, quite frankly, they possess that something extra called "It." I believe the "it" factor also plays a significant role in the realm of faith, but not in the way you might think. Here, it's not necessarily a matter of ability and notoriety, but rather being surrendered to and in tune with something, or rather Someone, beyond ourselves. The Bible says, "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9). This means that once we receive Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. The apostle Paul went as far as to say, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). For far too long, the Holy Spirit has been kept at arm's length by many in the evangelical church. For reasons of fear, apathy, confusion, and perhaps even ignorance, millions of believers are neglecting a significant source of power, comfort, strength, and inspiration that stands ready to guide them in their walk with Christ. I hope and pray, if even in a small way, The Spiritual "It" Factor will chip away at that resistance. According to D. L. Moody, the famed nineteenth century evangelist, "You might as well try to see without eyes, hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as to try to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit." With that in mind, launch forth into the pages contained within and experience a life-changing journey. Ask God to activate the spiritual "it" factor within you, a phenomenon that can come no other way than through a relationship with Christ and the indwelling of His Spirit. About the author: Todd Gaddis has been a pastor since 1990 and currently serves at First Baptist Church in LaFayette, Georgia. He has written for Focus on the Family, Leadership, Pray, War Cry and numerous LifeWay publications. Before entering the pastorate, he worked in public relations and fundraising for a Christian college and also as a corporate sales representative. His books are: Prophecy 3.0 (2012), Upon This Rock (2011), The Spiritual "It" Factor (2010), Journey to the Center of Love (2009), Reclaim Your Body, Restore Your Soul (2008), Money and More (2007), The Great Curse Reversal (2006), Escape from Wits' End (2005), and The Compliments of Christ (2004).