Jesus makes a curious statement in John 3:8: “So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” They are like the wind; you hear them, but you can’t tell where they come from or where they are going. What does that mean?
Such a statement should give all of us pause who claim to be believers, who espouse the tenets of Christianity. Can people explain what makes you tick, why you say the things you say, why you do the things you do? Then it is not from the Spirit. It does not emanate from a life born from above. There is nothing new or fresh that would make someone stop and say, “Where did that come from?” It’s just more of the same stuff that makes this world tick.
I could easily apply this to religious institutions because, a vast majority of the time, their actions can be easily explained by the protocols of the world system. But what about me? Is that true of me as well? What evidence is there in my life that I am born from above? Does anyone hear my words or see my actions and say, “Okay, now that’s new! That can’t be explained by anything in my world view.” Can they predict what I will do next, or will it surprise them in a positive way? Will it belie the guidance of a paradigm that emanates from another source outside the world system, from the Spirit?
Lord Jesus, will you act and speak through me today. Will you attune me to your voice so that I can respond to your impulses and carry out your bidding.
Such a statement should give all of us pause who claim to be believers, who espouse the tenets of Christianity. Can people explain what makes you tick, why you say the things you say, why you do the things you do? Then it is not from the Spirit. It does not emanate from a life born from above. There is nothing new or fresh that would make someone stop and say, “Where did that come from?” It’s just more of the same stuff that makes this world tick.
I could easily apply this to religious institutions because, a vast majority of the time, their actions can be easily explained by the protocols of the world system. But what about me? Is that true of me as well? What evidence is there in my life that I am born from above? Does anyone hear my words or see my actions and say, “Okay, now that’s new! That can’t be explained by anything in my world view.” Can they predict what I will do next, or will it surprise them in a positive way? Will it belie the guidance of a paradigm that emanates from another source outside the world system, from the Spirit?
Lord Jesus, will you act and speak through me today. Will you attune me to your voice so that I can respond to your impulses and carry out your bidding.
