Closet Communion- What Spirit You're Really Following

It appears one way from the outside, but when you open it up it's actually something different altogether.

Many cultures comfortably call upon "God" even if they are not speaking of the same One. They can easily latch onto a "Father" or Higher Power for protection. Other cultures (western contexts) are more comfortable with the "Son of Mary." The Jesus who was a historical person, whose motto was love, justice, and grace, even if they ignore His teachings that contradict their lifestyle. However, most people (regardless of context) have never been accurately introduced to the third person of the trinity, the "Holy Spirit." He is as elusive as the ghost that describes His name.

Many cannot fathom this "three in one" concept in large part because knowing the Holy Spirit is required to understanding it. "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14)

We have replaced the third person of the trinity by outsourcing His role with a plethora of other things. Modern technology, for example, allows us to listen to another person read the Bible and then explain what the passage means. Other apps direct our reading and give us structured check lists for our self-reinforced calendars. Besides technology, we have an abundance of people vying for the role of "holy spirit" in our lives--pastors, spouses, parents, friends and other people who can tell us what we should and should not do.

Obviously nothing in any of these categories is unbiblical. Some is even advantageous. The problem is that we can't implement any one of these three if we haven't personally taken time to know the third person of the trinity in the same way that we try to get to know our friends and family, or God and Jesus for that matter.

Without really knowing the Spirit of God, through space, stillness, and saturation on His word alone, then we won't know the Holy Spirit. If we don't know Him, we can't let Him lead us. It will be our thoughts and our plans, not His. It'll be the practical next step rather than the spiritual best for our lives. We don't know the presence of God in our moment by moment happenings because we've outsourced His role and become unconsciously and unhealthily dependent on other "spirits."

Leaving so many of my "people" by traveling has provided me with a fresh introduction to the Holy Spirit. Also, it has opened me up to real conviction of my role in other people's lives. I must be careful not to try to "spirit" my kids or my spouse or my friends. Many women are given "insights" into what might be best for their family and friends, yet they haven't stopped to consider the Spirit's role in direction and the human role in prayer. I can't try and turn someone's steps simply because I think it's best for them.

 If I never spent time alone with someone, I wouldn't know what he/she liked or disliked. I may assume they prefer what I do. This is the same with the Holy Spirit. We can't ask Him to join our plans, rather we must listen to His and respond accordingly.

Dare to open up the word of God all by yourself. Dare to sit in silence and pray to the Almighty. You'll be surprised at what you learn through the Spirit. George Muller said it best: "Often the work of the Lord itself may tempt us away from communion with Him. A full schedule of preaching, counseling, and travel can erode the strength of the mightiest servant of the Lord. Public prayer will never make up for closet communion." (Autobiography of George Muller, pg 46) Replace spots on your calendar with closet communion. Then you won't wonder who your following anymore.

 ~Carefully & Carelessly Following