What a difference the Holy Spirit makes! On Sunday morning, our church family and I were exploring the difference between the Natural Life (Self+Flesh+Conscience) and the Spiritual Life (Self+Flesh+Holy Spirit.) Our text in 1 Corinthians 3 had brought us to that old question: "What is a carnal Christian?" I actually employed diagrams to define the differences. This seemed like a very basic concept, and I wanted to make it clear to the most unschooled disciple in the room.
Wow! What a concept! I got so many questions afterward. There were questions from unbelievers who are seeking Christ among us. There were questions from long time Christians whom I respect and admire. My immediate conclusion was obvious: Though I frequently mention the Holy Spirit, I clearly haven't taught my church all the things they need to know. In the future, I am resolved to be more deliberate in presenting the practical truths of spiritual living.
One of my favorite texts is Galatians 5:16 "So I say, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." The Spirit is not some abstract metaphor for enthusiasm. He is a person, a part of the Godhead, a force that guides and empowers believers.
More than two decades ago, Protestant churches looked at the upsurge among Charismatic churches and we asked what they could teach us. We finally concluded that our non-Charismatic worship was not enthusiastic enough, so we've been tweaking and editing our worship styles for a whole generation. Now worship style has been transformed in most Protestant churches, but Charismatic Christianity continues to change the landscape all around the world.
Maybe we learned the wrong lesson. Could it be we failed to recognize that "pentecostal" style churches were worshipping differently because their people were more willing to be influenced by the wind of God's Spirit? Maybe it wasn't our hymns that were out of sync, but our hearts!
This is not to say that Charismatic worship got everything right! In their exuberance, our "spirit-filled" friends have often become distracted and even divided by bizarre gimmicks like laughing revivals, being slain in the spirit, generational demons, etc. etc. But you have to wonder if they didn't get one thing spot on: we must instruct the Church in what it means to live in the Spirit. Walking with Christ = walking in the Spirit. So how is that done?
I love to reflect on all the wonderful truths the Holy Spirit has taught me from Scripture and helped me apply to life. I can fondly recall all the amazing adventures I've enjoyed under His direct leadership. I can recount so many miracles I have experienced as a result of His working. And I look at myself and ask: why didn't you talk about this more often? Why didn't all of us?
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