Life by the spirit cannot be turned into a methodology

We want so desperately to turn the life of the spirit into a methodology that can be prescribed and followed, negating our need to commit our lives to hearing his voice and following wherever that may lead.

What if Yeshua didn't leave his free "10 step guide to church growth", because just like the Pharisees, he knew it would turn into a life of checking off the right boxes, while completely missing what the spirit was doing in our midst?

What would it look like if we committed to this life of the spirit?

What would happen if we listened to God's voice rather than seeking out coaches and self help gurus? To discern his direction and commit to a lifestyle of faith?

We want to see a pillar of smoke or hear an anointed man's words to guide us, when really the still small voice of God's spirit is burning within our hearts.

What if God is constantly speaking but we're too busy to stop and listen to his voice?

What if we stopped to listen?

How would our lives change as we followed him, moment by moment, day by day, listening to and trusting this living God to lead the way?

What if we realized that we are God’s temple, where his set apart Spirit dwells–no longer in a tent built by man, but in human hearts created by the King of the Universe?

The God, previously confined to the ark of the covenant in the most holy place is now moving in wide open spaces–the Good News of the kingdom available to any who will listen. To those who will set themselves apart. He has declared us holy and lives among us.

Shema

What does it take to be a people of the living God? I offer up the word Shema.

In the ancient Hebrew scriptures, we see the word shema. It's often translated as "Hear", but what it really conveys is this idea of actively listening and doing whatever is commanded.

What if it was that simple? To love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind, and from that obedience, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Hear and do.

How do you hear his voice? It starts with loving God with all of your being. Yeshua serves as our guide. As we follow his example–getting alone, talking to God, listening for the words he places on our hearts. He makes it clear. Not audible, but plain. An inward feeling or sense–a knowing or intuition.

As we follow him, reading his words and listening, his words will become a light on our path.

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. –Isaiah 58:11, MSG

But we have to take action. To be doers of the word–not just people who only hear.

Are you ready? Perhaps a little bit scared?

That might just be a sign that you’re on the narrow path of a life led by God’s spirit.

So ditch the methodology. Stop striving to find the perfect plan. Keep your ears open to His Spirit, and follow wherever his voice leads.

And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. –Psalm 119:45