Unlocking the Potential of a Spirit Led Life: A Journey of Faith
What Does it Mean to Life a Spirit Led Life?
As Christians, we are called to live a Holy Spirit-led life, but what does this mean?
Let’s start with a well-known scripture verse: Galatians 5:16 (NIV) – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” We may all know this, but what does it mean regarding living a spirit lived life? Living a Holy Spirit-led life is a spiritual journey that requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to seek and walk with God as our guide.
One of the key aspects of living a Holy Spirit-led life is listening to God’s voice much like would listen to the guidance of a loving and supportive parent. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction, and we must be willing to follow where He leads. This requires us to have a deep and intimate relationship with God; to spend time in prayer, and to read and study the Bible.
Living a Holy Spirit-led life also means being mindful of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) states that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We should strive to cultivate these characteristics in our lives, and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to produce these qualities. We have to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives. Living a Holy Spirit-led life is living in obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we will be prompted to take actions that may not always make sense to us. It is important that we obey these promptings, even if it requires us to step out of our comfort zones.
Living a Holy Spirit-led life also means serving others. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we will be prompted to serve and help others. This may involve volunteering, giving to charity, or simply showing kindness to those around us. Serving others is one way of engaging in the faith of Jesus rather the faith about Jesus.
In What Ways does the Holy Spirit Transform our Daily Lives
The prayer, “Come Holy Spirit, move through us and in us” comes to mind when I think about this section title. When we think about the Holy Spirit as a part of the Trinity, we need to consider what the Holy Spirt does.
Three words come to mind when I think about the power of the Holy Spirit, regenerate, intercession and assists. While I think of God as creator, I think of the Holy Spirit as our provider and guide, God’s active presences in and within us. It is the Holy Spirit that makes us aware of the “Christness” in each one of us and helps us see the beauty of God’s providence in all that we encounter.
“Come Holy Spirit, envelop us with your wings of love and guide us on our paths we will take today.” is a prayer that I often pray with my kids as we leave each other at the beginning of our day. As a guide, the Holy Spirit
A Spirit Informed Life: Commitment, Courage and Continuous Growth
A word that comes up in the Galatians text noted above is overcome. When we live a spirit led life, the Holy Spirit guides us in our commitments as it helps us see obstacles as opportunities to grow and to maintain front sight focus. We can find increased self-control as we allow ourselves to be led.
If you have ever been on a guided tour in an unfamiliar place, you know how comforting it can be to not have to deal with the stressors of trying to get to know a new place. When I went to New York City in 1998, we were led around by a very large black man who went by the name of Big Willy. My New York City trip was not your usual tourist trip. It was a mission trip to some of less known places like a homeless shelter in which we stayed in for 7 days, it was walking around under subway platforms and interacting with the homeless and generally wandering around throughout the day. I think of Big Willy when I think about the Holy Spirit. One memory of this trip to NYC was jay walking because Big Willy did not want to cross at the crosswalk. Never have I been so scared and felt so empowered in my life. Jay walking into a busy NYC street is ill advised on any day.
The Holy Spirit gives us this courage. It emboldens us on our journey and protects us.
Finally, the Holy Spirit encourages continuous growth. We cannot go it alone. I am tired as I write this. I just spent a little over 30 hours helping out at a 100-mile running race as the Aid Station captain. I talk to a lot of tired people. People who feel that they are so worn out emotionally that there is nothing left for them. I call it hopeless, helpless, worthless. It is a terrible place to be. But with the Holy Spirits guidance, we can grow from the ashes of exhaustion, confusion. In 2008, my career was all but over. It stayed on life-support for another 12 years, but it was over. It was the Holy Spirit that not only guided my rebound but sustained my marriage and made me a better father. If you have fallen down and are not sure how to grow, take some contemplative time and sit with the Holy Spirit.
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