“As an overflow of being loved by the Lord, the Spirit leads us to love others like Jesus loves.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 14, 2022
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” Acts 8:29
Not all service is led by the Spirit, but if we are led by the Spirit we will serve. And the source of our Spirit led service is contemplation with Christ— heart and mind charged by love, before we charge ahead in our own strength. Clarity comes through contemplation with Jesus, as the mind reflects on how He loved, “God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit… to do good and to heal” (Acts 10:38). In these quiet moments the heart experiences the deep affection of abiding in Christ’s love, so when the noise of the flesh tries to take over, the Spirit calms our spirits. Now, as an overflow of being loved by the Lord, the Spirit leads us to love others like Jesus loves.
Early on in the gospel narrative, Philip goes to a skeptical Nathaniel with an invitation to come and see the One the prophets talked about, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Once Nathaniel encountered Jesus, he confessed, “He is the Son of God…King of Israel.” In a similar fashion, a few years later the Spirit led Philip to engage a prominent foreign official. He helped him meet the Lord Jesus through understanding what Scriptures foretold about Jesus’ coming as the Son of God. As quick as the Spirit had led Philip to the Ethiopian… the Spirit sent Philip away, post the Ethiopian’s baptism, with the sound of a saved soul rejoicing. Once Philip was surrendered to God, he was led by God.
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God” (Romans 8:14, NASB).
Chambers reminds us that our service to Christ can be unwisely elevated above our devotion to Christ, “Lives of pure, uncompromising, and unrestrained devotion to the Lord Jesus, which will be satisfying to Him wherever He may send you. Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself?” Spirit led service first sits at the feet of Jesus, before service for Jesus!
What are some examples of Spirit led service? You know you are being Spirit led when after an exhausting day and hosting people at night there is clean up to be done. And instead of being angry at the one who should have performed the duties… you wash the dishes and vacuum. Or, you hear a conversation about someone being accused or vilified, and instead of agreeing with the unfair criticism, you defend her. Spirit led service takes responsibility when not responsible, gives generously when not expected to give at all, and shares the gospel, unperturbed by rejection. You are Spirit led when “you” never crosses your mind, only how another can be quietly served.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NLT).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me by your Spirit to love others and serve them with humility of heart, wisdom of mind and strength of will, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Where is the Spirit leading me that I need to obey, even though I am not sure where I am going?
Related Reading
Psalm 143:10; Ezekiel 37:1; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18
Worship Resource
Canyon Hills Worship: Spirit of God
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