Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
God is love and abundantly bestows His grace. Always above what we think or ask. But are we allowing the work of the Holy Spirit within us? Or are we dismissing Him? Are we seeking out His counsel? Are we listening to His prompts to us for repentance? Are we hearing Him? Is He teaching us? God will and does move on our behalf when we are obedient to His instructions. What is the last thing He asked you to do?
The above verse is often turned into a ‘platitude’ and Christian-eze saying rather than something that will really spur us into a deeper questioning conversation time with the Holy Spirit. Religion is something done by ritual and route rather than be relationship. So many just say ‘words’ and long soliloquy prayers to sooth their soul — and never really engage with the Holy Spirit. How much of your prayer time is one way (you just mouthing off to God) wanting Him to do something? How much of your prayer time do you just listen to Him?
Do you think we are His ‘glory’ when we are just playing ‘religion’? Do you really see His glory in the American Church today? Or has it become a … ‘ritual’? Are all the members asked to be a part and play a part in the ekklesia? We must be honest with ourselves and with God. We must accept responsibility for our own participation in the ekklesia. We must see ourselves as vital members that must fulfill our roles in the Body of Christ. But then the leadership must also be discipling the members and helping them discern His Voice and instructions. The leadership should be about helping nurture the ‘gifts’ given to each ekklesia by Jesus (Ephesians 4:11-12). Those ‘giftings’ are much more prevalent than is currently recognized in the institutional Church. The institution of the American Church has set up worldly educational and (un-Biblical) authority systems that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit.
You are a MEMBER of His Body with specific gifts and purposes for His glory and work within the Body of Christ and within this current world. To be and to work as an ambassador for Him. Leadership is specifically for your personal equipping in that walk and quest. How much does the current leadership of the Church you’ve been at — speak to your very specific personal needs and spiritual growth? Do they even know you? Or is their goal for you to align you with their ‘vision’? Real leadership in the ekklesia should be about personal discipleship rather than a once a week entertainment hour. The modern American Church has fallen far from the callings of God.
What are the Church’s instructions from Jesus?
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Is your “Church” … really making disciples? Is that their number one focus? How did Jesus “make” disciples? Do you see Jesus’ discipleship style being displayed by your leadership? Are they right in and among you — talking, teaching, fellowshipping, praying, .. with each of you? Does Jesus really care about each of those in His flock? I suggest you find a real spiritual leader who cares for you like Jesus cares for you, personally, emphatically, sacrificially, … as a real friend does. Find a real mentor that will love on you. I understand this currently is MUCH harder now than ever before. The Church hasn’t trained their leaders to do this. Only the Holy Spirit has done this to those who have sought Him ought through many trials and tribulations.
Quiet your soul .. and listen to Him.