Follow the Leader

I was reading a book by Francis Chan about the Holy Spirit recently, and the thing that keeps coming back to me from that book is the question, "Are you trying to lead the Holy Spirit, or are you being led by the Spirit?" There's a big difference. I think many Christians (including me), believe in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and we recognize the importance of involving the Spirit in our ministry, lives and decisions. But I think what happens a lot of times is that we see the Spirit as a means to an end, a tool to be used, a source of power and experiences, rather than as God, to be followed and submitted to. The Spirit gives us power, so we manipulate our experiences and conditions in order to receive that power when we want it for the results we want.  The Spirit gives wisdom and guidance so we try our hardest to get the Spirit to tell us what we need to know for the situations we think are important. We know we can't accomplish God's work on our own, so we try to lead the Spirit to do what we think God's work is. We try to convince him to do what we need him to do. If he does not do what we need him for, then there must be sin in our lives or doubt or hardness of heart. We think if we get those things right, we can then go again to the Spirit and lead him to do the right thing.

This leading instead of following is subtle but tragic. Leading implies initiation and action on the part of the leader, and following implies observation, waiting and agreement on the part of the follower. As I've begun to see the distinction I've realized how hard I have worked to get the Spirit to do what I want him to do, instead of really letting the Spirit lead without assuming I know what needs to be done. I've begun waking up every morning, not requesting anything of the Spirit, but surrendering to him. "Spirit, I trust your leadership. I will follow you today. Soften my heart, and help me to hear." When I think of a situation that I am uncertain about or that I would like resolution or change in, instead of tyring to convince the Spirit to work, or to work in a certain way, I again pray, "Spirit I know you are working. I am not going to try to figure this all out. I want to follow you." You are leading. I am waiting and following and trusting.

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