Every kid who ha
s been to church knows about the Almighty
“being in the sky” that created the universe (Father). They also are familiar with Jesus who
came to earth as a man and died on a cross (Son). But even in the most religious Christian circles, the Holy
Spirit remains largely a mystery.
Is it some metaphorical rubber stamp that is affixed to new
converts? Is it a heightened conscience
that tells us right from wrong?
Perhaps it’s like a spiritual super power that enables Christians for
warfare in the spiritual realm?
To be honest, although I grew up in the church, I had very
little idea who or what the Holy Spirit was. At different times, the Holy Spirit took on different
properties based on what I felt he should be, given my circumstances. Although the Bible is somewhat vague on
the Holy Spirit, it suggests that the Holy Spirit is all of the above-a
protector, a counselor, a spiritual enabler. Despite the Bible’s explanations, I never had any confidence
in the role the Holy Spirit was playing in my life. When others told me they
were “walking with the spirit,” I was generally filled with doubt, envy or even
dread. Was I walking with the
spirit? How would I even
know? Is my gait just too
long?
conclusions in the past two weeks.
First, the Holy Spirit is always there and telling me what I should
do–even in the little decisions.
Second, the Holy Spirit doesn’t communicate through dramatic revelations
but instead he guides me subtly through what can best be described as “my
gut.” Third, I am very good at
finding distractions and silencing His voice. Specifically, whenever I feel myself rationalizing something,
or worrying about what others will think of me, it means I am probably ignoring
what the Spirit is telling me and trying to do my own thing.
Readers: “Well Brian, it would sure help if you could
provide us with a concrete example.”
I’m glad you asked!
In my next blog and I will give you a recent dramatic example of how the
Holy Spirit lead me to a divine encounter that resulted in an amazing outcome.
