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TechnoratiI was taken aback recently when I read a survey which revealed that over 60% of people who consider themselves Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is not a person. Rather in their view He … well I guess it wouldn’t be He … It is just a force or an extension of God.
Run from the Dark Side Luke!
Anyway, what is regrettable is that these folks are missing out on an amazing friendship with a real Person. So I would like to present an open letter to the Holy Spirit and an attempt at a reply that hopefully will give an accurate perspective on how to connect – not with a force, but with a Friend that is always faithful and available.
Dear Holy Spirit,
Wow – that sounds kinda weird – “Dear Holy Spirit”. I mean, saying (or writing) “Dear Jesus” or “Dear Father” feels normal, but I guess that’s the point, right? Because even though you don’t have a name that feels quite as personal, it doesn’t change the fact that you are God, a real Person, and a real Friend that lives inside my soul.
I guess it’s that last part that really got through to me – the fact that you live inside me and want to be my friend. That totally makes sense because as God you know everything about me – more than my family, more than my other friends, even more than I know about myself! And as a real Person, you know everything I’m going through – the good, the bad, and yes even the ugly. You feel joy when I feel joy. Pain when I feel pain. You even know when I’m lonely and feel like I don’t have a friend in the world.
But I do; and it’s you.
So here’s my question: How do I get this whole friendship thing going? After all, you are invisible; you don’t speak to me out loud; and I’m pretty sure you don’t even have a cell phone! So how do I “connect” with Someone who I can’t see or hear???
Help, and thanks,
(insert your name here)
Dear (insert your name here),
Wow! Thank you so much for writing! Yeah, I know it might feel strange calling me “Holy Spirit,” but the more you talk to me, the more comfortable it will feel. Or – if you didn’t know this – I have other names you could use like Helper and Counselor, or just call me Friend!
Speaking of being your Friend, I can’t wait to grow deeper in our friendship! I know it’s a little different than other relationships in some ways since (like you said) I’m invisible and don’t speak to you out loud, but I think you’ll find that since I live inside you and “speak’ directly to your soul” – those issues won’t get in the way of our friendship.
So here’s my answer: To get our relationship going, you need to practice three things that I’ll call the ABC’s to connecting with God. If you add these three habits to your life on a regular basis, your life will be anything but regular. In fact, I think you’ll find that a friendship with me will take you places you never thought probable, and give you peace that you never believed possible.
Ready? OK. The ABC’s are: Ask, Breathe, and Communicate
First let’s talk about ask. Basically, even though I am God and I am all powerful, I will not *make you* have a friendship with me. You are free to choose to let me fill you and control you, and you are free to simply be satisfied with your salvation and leave it at that. I have to tell you, though, that going through life without Me is the worst choice you could make. I’ve been around long enough (forever actually) to see that you humans simply don’t do well all by yourselves. As well, it’s impossible to live the Christian life without me. So that’s why I wrote this in my Book: Continue »
