the Spirit will lead...

...the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God...

 — 1 Corinthians 2:10

 

           Most Americans consider themselves spiritual people.  But what do they mean when they say this?  That their lives have been changed by a profound encounter with God?  That they have turned away from a life of gathering possessions and consuming the products of our culture?  That they have dedicated their lives to helping the sick, poor and outcast of the world?  Hmmm.  Somehow I doubt it. 

           Research suggests that for most people being “spiritual” means that they have a certain respect for religious values.  Maybe they believe in higher principles of morality and see the order in the natural world as a sign of a plan behind creation.  Perhaps they have felt powerfully moved by a piece of music or been put at a loss for words by a beautiful sunset, and made to feel a part of something bigger than themselves.  Many even feel an inexplicable “guiding hand” upon their lives, leading and protecting them through difficult times.  In that sense, we’re probably all “spiritual” people because, whether we know it or not, whether we use it or not, we all have to some degree an inborn sense for God.

 For some that sense is ignored, repressed, or put aside as a childish fantasy.  For others, it takes center stage in their life, pushing all else out.  Even in the early church “super-spiritual” people were a problem because they believed they had the only hotline to the Lord.  They refused to examine their beliefs or actions in view of others.  Spiritual experiences became more important to them than love or discipline.

    

           In her book about spiritual gifts called In Our Music, God, our own choir director Ruby Agnir has an engaging chapter on that phrase, “the Spirit will lead me.”  She writes, “Don’t get me wrong.  I firmly believe that we need the leading of the Spirit in everything we do.  However, if we use the phrase ‘the Spirit will lead me’ in the context of ‘I don’t have time to prepare,’ or ‘I don’t have to train to do this,’ then it’s merely an echoing of the third servant’s decision to keep the talent given him and not do anything about it [see Matthew 25:14-30].  It’s just another way of saying, ‘Come what may.’”

          I love the season of Pentecost, because it shows us what mystery and mighty energy can be experienced in God’s presence.  The Spirit does lead us and guide us, as it does even for people outside the Church, and outside the Christian faith.  Pentecost brought people together and got them communicating, speaking each others’ languages so that the source of that Spirit could be named and praised.  Being part of a church, we experience that Spirit together.  We communicate, help, feed and encourage each other, share our ups and downs, pray for one another,  and work to bring all that love and care out into the world.  We know the source of that Spirit and we name Him with joy in our hearts — He is Jesus Christ. 

           But we don’t leave it at that.  We also GROW in the Spirit.  One of my greatest passions is to see individuals and congregations grow in Christ.  I love seeing people discover God’s love, and then seeing it change them into more loving people.  I love seeing people off doing their own thing coming together, communicating, cooperating, and making things happen that they could never have done on their own.  I love seeing people open their hearts to realize that, not only the spiritual things, but ALL of life’s blessings are gifts from God.  And I love it when we become more clear in our mission, more dedicated in our discipleship, more focused in following Jesus.

           The Spirit will lead us, of course.  We know that.  But we also know WHAT that Spirit is and WHOSE Spirit it is that leads us.  So we go back again and again to the waters of our Baptism, to the words of Scripture, to the bread and wine of the Holy Supper, and to the House of God where His people are gathered, growing, learning, and preparing to share God’s love in new ways.
 

Peace,

Pastor Scott