What do you think it means to be led by the Spirit of God?
In reflecting on fruit of the Spirit, spiritual maturity, many Bible passages, and some constructive conversation in (my favorite) Sunday School group (ever), my understanding of what it means for the Spirit to lead me has taken a turn. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say that it has expanded and reoriented.
Have you ever wondered what was coming next in life? What to plan for? Whether you should go to a college near to home or out of state, pursue a relationship or not, take an offered job or keep searching, buy this or that house, switch churches or tough out difficult dynamics, serve in missions, or serve in your own hometown?
Me too.
And I have pursued the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer, conversation, and even waiting at times.
Honestly, although I can say with confidence that the Spirit led us to and through many life circumstances, I cannot say where He is leading us now, or where He will lead us in the future. Each day when I wake up, even on the mornings when my mind is more aware of Him, He does not tell me clearly what tasks or acts of service I am to engage in that day, or which places I ought to go.
No. And sometimes it feels like an unholy place to be, looking for big words and things to do, unsure of whether I’m inclined to particular lines of action because of the Spirit’s guidance, or because of my own desires. But, beyond doubt, we each possess a measure of knowledge, discernment, and humility which we can use to make wise decisions, and which the Spirit will increase as we walk in Him.
Stay with me for a bit longer as I make my way through these thoughts, if you can. While I believe that God is interested in the details of our lives, I think it is true to say that He is far more interested in the details of our hearts. Ultimately, He is interested in bringing into fulfillment His purposes in the world- saving and making new His people and His creation.
Our Lord Jesus loves justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He loves the Father. He loves His people. His ways are ways of truth, kindness, and clarity. His Spirit does lead us, every day. His Spirit does tell me clearly each day which things I am to do, and which things I am to turn away from. Or put another way: the Spirit tells me clearly each day who and what I am to be.
Rather than asking God to tell you which choice to make, ask Him this question: how can I remember justice, give mercy, and remain faithful to you in this area of my life?
The Spirit absolutely will lead you. Don’t you think that we as Christians should be realizing and saying things like “the Spirit led me to be kind to my aggravating co-worker today,” or “the Spirit led me to be patient in newer and bigger ways with my kids this week,” or “the Spirit has expanded my ability to love the people around me.”?
I may not know what choices I will be making in the future, or what life story God has ahead for us, but what I do know is that the Spirit of God will absolutely lead me in each situation of life to live, grow, and rest in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
In the words of Proverbs 3:5-8:
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success[a]
in the sight of God and man.”
“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh[b]
and refreshment[c] to your bones.”
To God be the glory.
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