I recently ran across an interesting quote attributed to David Weatherford. “In reflecting on the times of my life, it occurs to me that the difficult, arduous experiences always pass, or at least wane to a tolerable level. On the other hand, thankfully, the positive, uplifting aspects of my life journey seem to hold strong and steady throughout, as long as I appreciate and nurture them.” That quote reminded me of the story that has made the rounds on social media of an American Indian chief telling his son that there are two wolves fighting inside each of us. One is good and the other is evil. The boy asks, “Which one wins?” His father replies, “The one you feed.”
As Christians, children of God, we don’t just have positive, uplifting experiences or a good wolf fighting within us; we have the perfect, righteous and powerful Holy Spirit of God within us. Paul reminds us, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” (Romans 8:11) John confirms it, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit that lives in you is greater than the spirit that lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Do we appreciate, nurture and feed that power for good that is within us? His mission is to guide us safely and successfully on our mission, so the most important thing we can do is pay close attention to His prompting. I use the term “prompt” because I have not heard His voice at any time during our 67 year relationship; but I always know exactly what He wants me to do or say. My appreciation for Him, the wonderful people He has introduced into my life and the positive, uplifting things He has taught me, continue to grow each day. I know my obedience to His prompting nurtures Him.
What about feeding that Spirit for good within us? I know He is nourished when I pray, praise and worship God, or study His word. For the last four and a half years I have worked with Him almost every day writing and editing my blog. It is His message and I’m just along for the ride as His scribe. It is the closest to God I have been; with the possible exceptions of when I was preparing and delivering sermons as a young lay preacher, or when I knelt in prayer at the entrance of the Garden Tomb, in Jerusalem in 1964. He is Spirit and when our spirit is nourished, He also receives nourishment with us.
My Christian brother or sister, do you appreciate, nurture and feed the Holy Spirit who is dwelling within you?