Be careful what you pray for. . . .

And say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?” ’ ” But Moses said, “The people among whom I am number six hundred thousand on foot, and you have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month!’ Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, and be enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, and be enough for them?” And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” (Numbers 11:18–23)

Just after Christmas I prayed asking the Lord to help me lose some weight. Shortly after that, I became ill and didn’t feel like eating for days on end. This affected my sweet tooth also, and I didn’t even want the 59 chocolates that had been gifted to me. Of course I lost weight. Also, a month off sweets seemed to kill that addiction. I’ve laughed and told my friends to be careful what they pray for…

The people of Israel liked the food they had in Egypt, even though they were in bondage there. When they whined about missing that food and were sick of eating simple manna, God gave them the meat they craved to the point of being sick of it.

I’m thinking of the parallel to Christian life. Those who follow Jesus sometimes get caught up in wanting stuff that does not fit with our profession of faith or the principles of living as God’s family. It might be an obsession to collect stuff, from salt shakers to luxury cars. It might be having the best and latest stereo or computer equipment. It could be a hobby or a sport. Not that these things are sinful (certainly eating meat is not necessarily a sin) but if they draw me or any of God’s people away from faith or away what God wants for us, it is a problem. He may correct it in a surprising manner!

Over-eating, whether it is sweets or just too much food,  is not good for my health. God desires to bless me with good health and has done so for many years. Bad habits in that or any other issue is not from Him.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24)

If I am filled with the Spirit, not filled with a pile of “I-wants” then God is at work in me and His life shows up. No self-control reveals that I have put Him aside and living as if my desires are more important that His will. Not only that, the other ‘fruit’ is missing, including love, joy, and peace.

Jesus, it bothers me when I see a brother or sister in Christ moping or suffering or complaining, as if God has forgotten them even though the opposite is usually the explanation. Selfishness can rob me from Your goodness. You can overcome that and sometimes do it by letting me have my way only to find out that it is not at all going to be a blessing. I thank You that You know exactly how to deal with my fleshy ways so that I don’t crave anything but being in a right relationship with You.

The Spirit is holy . . .

If thoughts of the Holy Spirit put images of ‘turn-or-burn’ fire-breathing preachers to mind, or images of people falling backwards in a trance, or becoming babbling fools, it is time to read what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. Here is just one passage that describes His work:

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” (2 Timothy 1:7–12)

The Spirit is a source of power but that power is not about domination or ruling over others. It is about love as defined by: “a strong, non-sexual affection and regard for a person and their good as understood by God’s moral character; especially characterized by a willing forfeiture of rights or privileges in another person’s behalf.”

This love is about wanting the best for others without putting self first. This love requires the next characteristic in this passage: self-control, which is another fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control is self under control — under God’s control.

“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) Plainly, the love of the Holy Spirit does not rage out of control at sin or sinners nor does it turn them into zombie-like characters.

The Holy Spirit also helps God’s people be brave to tell others about Jesus Christ. In our humanness we can be fearful, even ashamed to be known as Christians, partly because we know there can be ridicule and persecution. But because of what Jesus Christ has done for us and because the Holy Spirit reminds us of what He has done, we are willing to suffer for what we believe. We are convinced that God will watch over and care for all that He has entrusted to us.

Life in the Holy Spirit is not a drama on a stage nor a spectacular series of events. While He can do amazing things, it is more about simple obedience that loves others and is not afraid to share with them the gospel of what Jesus Christ has done for me. While I love hearing the dramatic stories and having God answer prayer in startling ways, I know that these are not the norm for one simple reason: I would begin to glory in them instead of glorifying the awesome God who is responsible.

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Lord Jesus, I know that I’m to honor You in everything. Every breath that I take is because of Your goodness and grace. All that I have and am is because of Your generosity and kindness. This life is not mainly about the mountain top experiences but ordinary life and daily work on level ground — living in a way that honors You and does not draw attention to myself. Thank You for being here, for Your daily faithfulness and constant care.