Spirit Questions

Anyone moving toward a life characterized by the words "sanctification," or "filled with the Spirit" should tread slowly.  Do not race ahead of the Holy Spirit who is the One providing this blessing of grace in our lives.  To move toward the Spirit filled life is to enter into a season of emptying.  The motive for our seeking is important.  Are we looking for another Certificate of Spiritual Attainment to hang in our Spiritual Trophy Room?  Are we wanting something because a friend seems to possess it?  Do we want more spiritual power so we can pray with greater results?  Are we seeking a deeper walk with God for our own benefit, or so that our life will bring glory to God?

 

The question of motive is always important as we seek after this deeper walk with God.  The soul searching that is required of the seeker by the Holy Spirit is no small thing.  What the Spirit wants us to do is to see how we may be seeking after God for reasons that fit into our own agenda instead of simply offering ourselves to God to do with us whatever it is that He pleases.  On the surface it may seem like an easy answer.  Of course, we want to do God's bidding, but do we really?  Do we really want to do God's bidding when it is contrary to what we want to do with our life, or when it puts us at odd with the common consensus which declares the Godly pursuits antiquated and irrelevant?  Are we ready to cease blending in with all that is around us?  Do we really want to belong completely to God?

 

Anyone who has asked these questions and come to quick answers has not really asked them which is why many who seek after the sanctified life live in spiritual frustration.  We want what we think we want, but not at any cost.  Such folks are not really candidates for the Spirit controlled life.  Such folks want to be in control; yet, to live as a living sacrifice unto God means we voluntarily choose to give the controls to God.  There is no middle ground.  It is either God or ego.  Choose this day who is to be served.