Come Holy Spirit

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

(1 Cor 12:7)

Reflection:

It is so easy to read words, to get a superficial understanding, and yet to miss the point completely! Very often it hinges on the importance of one word which is simply overlooked.

 Paul is writing to the Christian Church in Corinth, and is about to teach on spiritual gifts. In that context He reminds them that the Spirit is given for the good of everyone and not just some. However, the important word for us today is the little word ‘each.’ The Spirit is given to each – and therefore every one of them. That means that He is given, in this way, to each and every Christian. Therefore, if you are a Christian, He is given to you. That means that, in terms of what Jesus has told us, He has come and taken up residence within you. Therefore God is both with you and within you – now.

“But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)

 It is here, in the very centre of our being, that He wishes to establish a deep and intimate relationship with us, to guide us, lead us, comfort and help us, to equip and empower us, and to witness to our own spirits the truth of our new relationship with God.

“because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:14-16)

One of the mental blocks is that we do not feel worthy of such a Person living within us – and of course that is quite true. We are not worthy and never will be. But it is not about our worthiness – it is all about God’s great love and quite amazing grace. A major problem however is that so many of us do not pause in front of this great truth to contemplate it, grasp its meaning and consequences, and then embrace it and live with it – or rather, live with Him. He is God the Holy Spirit, through whom Jesus is with us and within us always. We can be in danger of treating the great truths of Scripture as merely words written on a page instead of the living revelation and living truth of the living God.

Stop right now and consider this great truth – with its meaning in terms of your relationship with God. Look at it carefully. Consider the implications. Breathe in deeply as if you were inhaling the Breath of God – asking Him to fill you with His Spirit. Practice relating to the God within you now and every day. Listen for Him.

 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Response:

This is for you as a Christian. If you are not yet a Christian then it is for you when you become one. The same Spirit is leading you onwards to the point of commitment. Don’t miss out in either case.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit please lead me ever deeper into the love and truth of God, into the living Truth of Jesus, and into the reality of God within me. Amen.

————-