Saturday, August 15, 2009
That Looks Good! I’d Like to Try Some of That!
I smelled it before I saw it. My entire being responded instinctively and dramatically. Seconds later I heard a cacophony of chattering adults, giggling teens and screaming toddlers. Then, as I approached the bustling, expansive chamber, neon lights leapt out at me. Beautiful pictures beckoned to me. People holding small plates appeared out of small cubby holes and stalked me, with smiles plastered on their face. But it was those tantalizing aromas that had first come for me that did me in. My well-trained olfactory nerves identified fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, pizza slices heavy-laden with cheese and pepperoni, sizzling Japanese steak, and calorie-rich French fries. I was a goner. They had me. I couldn’t help myself.
Have you ever tried to slip by a food court in the mall when you haven’t eaten all day? Did the smells, sights and sounds conspire to lure you to their vendors? Did you intend to pass safely by, but instead said, “That looks good! I’d like to try some of that!”? If so, then you know the power of a good product on display.
I recently witnessed a similar encounter, but in a much more important dimension of life. In this case it wasn’t simply a matter of a few hunger pains satisfied by a couple helpings of junk food; this was a matter of deep spiritual hunger and an introduction to the power of an eternal God who offers an eternal solution. I was sitting in the living room of a woman who attends our church. We were enjoying what we call an Hour of Prayer and Care Group. She had invited her friend to be a part of our meeting. During a time of sharing the friend began revealing something like the following: “I’ve been watching you. I saw the way your life changed when you told us you were born again. At first I thought you were crazy when you talked about speaking in tongues, but I watched your life and you’re not weird. I’m jealous. I want what you’ve got!”
That’s how it’s supposed to work. Christians who have a genuine infilling of God’s Spirit will have experienced a dramatic and wonderful change in lifestyle. Their everyday lives will be influenced by an increase of God’s love, joy and peace. Soon, spiritually sensitive people will recognize God’s distinct, positive influence and want the same for their life.
Being filled with God’s Spirit is a concept that is not always well understood, but the Bible places great emphasis on this subject. For example, Romans 8:9 says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” There are many other scripture passages that describe the Spirit-filled experiences of Jesus’ disciples and other first century Christians. (see in Acts 2, 8 ,10 & 19) You might want to look into it if you’ve never experienced it. It will change your life. Before long others will be saying, “That Looks Good! I’d Like to Try Some of That!”
Have you ever tried to slip by a food court in the mall when you haven’t eaten all day? Did the smells, sights and sounds conspire to lure you to their vendors? Did you intend to pass safely by, but instead said, “That looks good! I’d like to try some of that!”? If so, then you know the power of a good product on display.
I recently witnessed a similar encounter, but in a much more important dimension of life. In this case it wasn’t simply a matter of a few hunger pains satisfied by a couple helpings of junk food; this was a matter of deep spiritual hunger and an introduction to the power of an eternal God who offers an eternal solution. I was sitting in the living room of a woman who attends our church. We were enjoying what we call an Hour of Prayer and Care Group. She had invited her friend to be a part of our meeting. During a time of sharing the friend began revealing something like the following: “I’ve been watching you. I saw the way your life changed when you told us you were born again. At first I thought you were crazy when you talked about speaking in tongues, but I watched your life and you’re not weird. I’m jealous. I want what you’ve got!”
That’s how it’s supposed to work. Christians who have a genuine infilling of God’s Spirit will have experienced a dramatic and wonderful change in lifestyle. Their everyday lives will be influenced by an increase of God’s love, joy and peace. Soon, spiritually sensitive people will recognize God’s distinct, positive influence and want the same for their life.
Being filled with God’s Spirit is a concept that is not always well understood, but the Bible places great emphasis on this subject. For example, Romans 8:9 says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” There are many other scripture passages that describe the Spirit-filled experiences of Jesus’ disciples and other first century Christians. (see in Acts 2, 8 ,10 & 19) You might want to look into it if you’ve never experienced it. It will change your life. Before long others will be saying, “That Looks Good! I’d Like to Try Some of That!”
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