You would not believe some of the strange questions that pastors get asked. One of my favorites is, “Are you a Spirit-led church?” I don’t know a single pastor that would say no to that question. Of course, we seek the Spirit’s guidance as we lead and shepherd the flock God has entrusted to our care. What they are really asking is if we are a charismatic church. This allows me to do some teaching of what it means to be Spirit-led. The Holy Spirit’s ongoing ministries include guiding us to all truth (by pointing to Jesus), convicting us (and the world) of sin, guiding our life, assuring us of salvation, and interceding on our behalf. This is in addition to the work the Holy Spirit does when we are saved: Baptize, indwell, and seal. What we want is to live a life in cooperation with the Holy Spirit as He seeks to bring fruit to our lives. This fruit looks less like the spectacular and more like everyday love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. More often than not, those looking for a Spirit-led church are looking for theatrics and chasing spiritual highs. They are seldom looking for a genuine outpouring of the Spirit in the mundane. Let us be true children of God and let the Holy Spirit guide our lives as we live for Christ.
Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
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Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 