It is often said that it is better to give than to receive. I agree this is true, because giving can be helpful to another and offers a servant attitude. But I would say receiving is actually harder than giving.
Think about it: how many times have you felt uncomfortable or unworthy when someone gives you time, attention or gifts in abundance? Giving allows you to be the one in control, but receiving feels more out of control. And in our day and age, with everything perfectly planned and prepared, out of control is not in our comfort zone.
Receiving the Holy Spirit requires a deep level of open-ness and vulnerability. The Holy Spirit is unknown, unpredictable - as it is often equated with wind, flame, and unexplained phenomena. With the Holy Spirit in your life, there is a need to let go of what you plan or expect. Instead, transformation happens when you trust this power of God enough to let go of the results. Receiving the Holy Spirit means that your life becomes more out of your control and rather led by God's inspiration and guidance.
The irony is, God is trying to give us a gift with this Holy Spirit. When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, its fruits begin to abound in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. And don't we all long for more of that in our lives and in the world?
So is it worth it to you?
Are you ready to release some control in your life in order to receive the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to allow God to give to you, and be on the receiving end, as out of control as it might seem? Are you ready to receive the greatest promise Jesus gave to us - to be with us always through the power of the Holy Spirit?
I pray you might come to worship this week, ready to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Think about it: how many times have you felt uncomfortable or unworthy when someone gives you time, attention or gifts in abundance? Giving allows you to be the one in control, but receiving feels more out of control. And in our day and age, with everything perfectly planned and prepared, out of control is not in our comfort zone.
Receiving the Holy Spirit requires a deep level of open-ness and vulnerability. The Holy Spirit is unknown, unpredictable - as it is often equated with wind, flame, and unexplained phenomena. With the Holy Spirit in your life, there is a need to let go of what you plan or expect. Instead, transformation happens when you trust this power of God enough to let go of the results. Receiving the Holy Spirit means that your life becomes more out of your control and rather led by God's inspiration and guidance.
The irony is, God is trying to give us a gift with this Holy Spirit. When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, its fruits begin to abound in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. And don't we all long for more of that in our lives and in the world?
So is it worth it to you?
Are you ready to release some control in your life in order to receive the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to allow God to give to you, and be on the receiving end, as out of control as it might seem? Are you ready to receive the greatest promise Jesus gave to us - to be with us always through the power of the Holy Spirit?
I pray you might come to worship this week, ready to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
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