It can be so easy to condemn someone. It can happen so simply and subtly, with just a few words, a dismissive look, an avoidance of being in someone's presence. However God has a way of drawing us together in mutual relationship. It's called the power of the Spirit. Because of Christ we never lose access to the Spirit's power to work through our mortal selves. As much as we may battle within about what we think of others, God continues to renew us with the Spirit calling us to see and love others as God does. Paul paints a portrait of this internal conflict which he describes as between the "flesh" and the "Spirit" in Romans 8: "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." (8:5) In a recent interview, singer Bobby McFerrin talks about the power words can have to harm others or give life to them: "You know that the right thing to do is to not say what's on your mind, even though it might be true and even though it might be necessary, but it's not kind. But you want to say it anyway, you're battling with the flesh and the spirit. The flesh says, just get it off your chest. And the spirit says, no wait, you know. Think, you know. Pause. Find the right word or the right time. Maybe now is not the time to do it. It's a constant war."
What words of life is the Spirit inviting you to speak today? What are the signs today that the Spirit enlivens your own "fleshly" life, rather than condemn it?
No comments:
Post a Comment