We must understand a couple of the basic principles of the way in which the Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit helps us to transform uncertainties about God into certainties. People don't really know God. We are not on the same level. Therefore, God gave his own Spirit to us with the main purpose of helping us to get to know Him. The Spirit knows precisely who God is - it is indeed his own Spirit. All that we know about God was disclosed to us by the Spirit. Even when we look at God in nature and recognise God as creator of heaven and earth, the Holy Spirit helps us to make sense of and to recognise God.
But the spirit does more. He shares gifts with us. To name a few: 7... All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: 8 wise counsel, clear understanding, 9simple trust, healing the sick, 10 miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.
When the Holy Spirit moves into someone there are many benefits. People change. People's way of life changes. People start behaving differently, because they received special gifts. When the special gifts start working, their actions will obviously be different. Suddenly that person starts giving wise counsel. Or in difficult times that person simply keeps on believing in God. Or people are healed and miracles happen.
Some even speak in tongues.
That is the result if people allow the Holy Spirit to take control of their lives. Then these things happen and people are surprised. But we don't see many of these gifts taking root. I wonder why? Is it because the Spirit no longer moves into people? Is it because He only worked really hard for a short period after Jesus' death?
No, I don't think it's the Holy Spirit who changed. Maybe we changed and no longer give the Spirit his rightful place in our lives. Maybe it's become too important to us to be in control of our own lives. Therefore, our actions don't tell the story of the Spirit's gifts, but rather of hurt and destruction. Maybe it's more about what I want to take from the world.
That is not the way the Holy Spirit works. The spirit doesn't focus on us when He distributes gifts. No, He focuses on others: 7Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!
The Holy Spirit lives in each of us. He gives each of us gifts that we have to use. The idea is that others, not us, should benefit from these gifts. Our fingers are on the switch. The question is whether we are prepared to switch on the power so that others can experience the wonder of the work of the Spirit through you.
Reflection
Are you prepared to switch on the power of the Holy Spirit to work in you?
What does your gift look like?
Do others experience your gift?
Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Prayer
Holy Spirit, who lives inside me, thank you for the gifts that You have given me that I can use to mean something to others. Remind me to use them every day so that others can experience Your power that is working in the world. Amen
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