“If we reduce being filled with the Holy Spirit to our activity, we seek to tether God to what we can see, like tethering God to a golden calf. We think that if only we have the right technology — doctrinal statements, spiritual practices, or liturgies — that we can harness God’s power to use for our advancement. But God is free.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another is psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your heart.”- Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV)
As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 8 of When God Seems Distant, they discuss one thing that happens as we mature from being a toddler in the faith to adolescence. We carry with us notions of the flesh that still dwell in our hearts. Consequently, we still function as if we are:
- alone.
- under the law instead of grace.
- the source of our spiritual life.
In addition, like Adam and Eve, we find ourselves tempted to self-create a life. Because, Kyle and John stress, the serpent’s lie in the garden echoes throughout history. Thus, Satan’s original lie still tempts us — that we too can be like God. The lie that we can self-live, self-create, and self-transform seduces us still.
Therefore, the authors observe. we must not hear biblical commands as a call to fix ourselves. So, in Ephesians 5:18, the apostle Paul writes in the passive voice. It’s not an active command. As a result, this serves as a call to abide in order that we can bear much fruit. Because the Holy Spirit’s filling produces the fruit of our growth.
In conclusion, Kyle and John exhort:
“God is love, and he calls us to himself in love to be known in love. God is both our foundation for a flourishing life and the goal for a flourishing life because we truly flourish only if we embrace him.”
Today’s question: How do you tether God to what you can see? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Grasp ahold of your struggle”