A few summers ago at camp, we had a Program Staff weekend. During that weekend we shared our favorite verses, or verses God laid on our hearts that previous school year. One of my fellow staff members talked about a verse in which it mentioned grieving the Holy Spirit. At the time I did not understand what that meant, but over the past few years I have been learning and experiencing what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit.
What stood out to me: Verse 30 says, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Why this stood out to me: There are times in my life where I feel close to God and times in my life when I do not feel close to God. During the times when I have not felt close to God I have noticed I have been in sin. That sin has taken several forms over the years, but when I am living in a way that God does not approve of, I feel as though He is not only hurt; He also allows His hand of protection to fall. That sounds a little odd, but when I am in sin, I do not feel close to God at all. What is really interesting is that the word 'grieve' here is used as an active word meaning that grieving the Holy Spirit is a choice. Interesting connection: I chose to grieve God.
How this applies to my life: If I look back upon my life, the times I have needed God the most, I have chosen to sin instead (Not every time mind you, but a lot of them). I have to be reminded every day to choose God. I cannot inactively be a Christian. Going to church is just a small part of following Jesus. Every day, I have a choice to make: Choose God, or choose sin. My prayer is that I would choose God. But even then, I am not perfect.
Tomorrow I will be reading Ephesians 5:1-21.
In His service, CrazyPete
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