“True expectancy, the waiting that is genuine and from the heart, is brought about by the coming of the Holy Spirit, by God coming to us, and not by our own devices. The spiritual experience that is truly genuine is given to us by God in the coming of his Spirit, and only as we surrender our whole lives to an active expression of his will. Surrender does not mean the cessation of seeking, for we must always seek the will of God in every situation. We seek in order to obey. And in obeying the small thing that we see, the greater is revealed to us. This is why we do not come to know God by musing or by contemplating our highest ideals in splendid spiritual isolation, nor by disputing religious points and striving for a state of spiritual perfection. No, God comes to us when we offer a cup of water to the thirsty, whether it be plain water in an enamel cup or the water of life found in God’s word.” –Philip Britts This passage is challenging to me, as a person who values and tries to practice spiritual contemplation, and as a person who flinches a little at the word “obedience.” But I love this author’s emphasis on “obeying the small thing,” that the greater may be revealed to us. Certainly, the metaphor of the cup of water given to the thirsty could mean many things. So what does it mean to you? What small thing do you need to obey as you consider how to practice Advent? In what ways can you surrender to obedience to the Holy Spirit? What cup of water is waiting to be given by you, in love, to the thirsty? (I highly recommend reading the entire Philip Britts selection by clicking the link.)
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:49:49 +0000
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