In preparing for the continuation of our Ignite series, I’ve been reviewing some of my notes about the Holy Spirit. This quote from R. Hollis Gause has really been working on me:
“[Jesus] was not a crutch for [the disciples’] immaturity. … Jesus did not encourage a mindless dependency on His physical presence; instead, He expected them to be interpretive of His instructions about their mission.”
Jesus said He wasn’t leaving us orphans, but He would send us the Holy Spirit to be a constant Counselor. When I submit to the Holy Spirit’s counsel, it’s not a mindless giving in, but a mind-full acknowledgment of His role. The Holy Spirit didn’t come to be my crutch, but to be my Liberator.
The Holy Spirit prepares me to be a conduit for God’s blessings.
I cannot touch in love…
I cannot speak with power…
I cannot truly represent Christ…
if I’m operating in my own strength.
The Holy Spirit comes alongside me to
Develop agape love in my heart…
stimulate my mind with the right words…
help me behave more like Jesus…
and live mind-full of His empowerment.
To do things on my own is to live with a crutch—to live a limited life.
To live in the flow of the Holy Spirit is to live a life that is fully engaged.
That’s how I want to live every day.
Craig T. Owens 