I sat outside on the Starbucks patio with a group of friends on a beautiful sunny day. We were catching up about new jobs, vacations, and other things going on in life when the conversation turned to what we were learning in our faith journeys. One woman commented that she is wrestling to understand the role of the Holy Spirit and her experience of it. I responded with my knowledge, thinking the others at the table probably agreed with me…
I was wrong.
We sat for the next hour and a half discussing our knowledge and experience and trying to think of Scripture to help our understanding. The conversation was sweet but my stomach was in knots and my head was pounding by the end. I left feeling like I had fought a battle and a little angry too—though I didn’t immediately understand why.
With time, I began to see my reaction more clearly and here is my confession— I want to be right. And I want what I’ve been taught to always be true and I want it to be true without me having to do the work to make sure it is true.
But scripture talks about the possibility of our hearts being deceived—whether it’s by our own flesh or by the teachings of others, we’re all capable of being led astray. So why would I not be open to the chance that my beliefs are wrong? Just as important though, why would I not check other people’s word by God’s Word?
I had a pretty strong opinion when our discussion began, but as it continued I realized how little of it I was able to back up with a foundation in the Word. I’ve since come home and looked for different places in the Bible where it talks about the Holy Spirit. I’m reading a few different excerpts from books and seeking out people with different views too. I’m seeking wisdom while also actively praying the Lord would lead me in wisdom and truth—not my own desire to prove myself right.
What is your response when someone disagrees with your perspective? Do you find yourself welcoming difficult conversations or do prefer to stay in the comfort of your beliefs?
Lord, make us women of your Word. Lead us in Your truth.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16-17
I sat outside on the Starbucks patio with a group of friends on a beautiful sunny day. We were catching up about new jobs, vacations, and other things going on in life when the conversation turned to what we were learning in our faith journeys. One woman commented that she is wrestling to understand the role of the Holy Spirit and her experience of it. I responded with my knowledge, thinking the others at the table probably agreed with me…