“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”- Galatians 5:25
Kyle Idleman states in Chapter 6 (“Self-empowered or Spirit-filled?”) of Not a Fan that when we try to follow Jesus without being filled daily by the Holy Spirit, we will “find ourselves frustrated by our failures and exhausted by our efforts.” Taking the self-empowered hike puts us in the position of trying to be like God. Life’s circumstances become overwhelming- and we lack the power to overcome them. We become discouraged and keep our distance from God.
Pastor Idleman notes that while the Old Testament speaks of “God with us”, the New Testament refers to “God in us”. While God with us is good, God in us is even better. As St. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
The author tells of the time when his family was moving into their current house. He saved the heaviest piece of furniture for last- the desk from his office. Pastor Idleman finally figured out that the desk would be easier to move if he flipped it over so the top was on the floor. His four-year-old son decided to help, standing between dad’s arms so he could help push. Finally, the boy stopped, looked up at Kyle, and said: “Dad, you’re in my way.”
When we insist on the self-empowered route, that is what God is saying to us.
Today’s question: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, what has enabled you to get out of the way? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Self-deception”
