Men of the LightSample

Introducing the Holy Spirit

When I was a kid, I remember my dad trying to explain to me how an 8-track player worked, and I was utterly baffled by the idea.

It was a scenario that repeats generation to generation, as I learned when trying to explain to my own kids how we navigated with paper maps before GPS and cell phones appeared.

We use our phones to get us everywhere, which generally works well. But on a recent trip driving through the United States, following my phone map, it occurred to me that if my phone were to die, lose the network, etc., I would be completely lost with no idea where to go. I had no paper maps. I rely on the phone entirely. I no longer ask about or think about “directions” anymore. It just never comes up.

As long as everything’s working, it’s a great system. A reliable guide to show you where to go is precisely what we need.

When Jesus, the Light of the world, came to earth at Christmas, He came to show us the right way to go in life. As we have discussed, the true nature of God, the righteous path, and the way of salvation were all things that He brought light to.

But He came to do even more than that.

One reason Christ was born at Christmas was to bring us the Holy Spirit—as Jesus is God in the flesh, the Holy Spirit is God in the (wait for it!) spirit, sent to live inside us and lead us where we need to go (John 14:16-17).

Through the Spirit’s illumination, we understand Scripture and the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). He shows us God’s truth and teaches us what we need to know (John 16:13). And He leads and guides us into God’s will as we seek Him when we make decisions (Romans 8:14).

The light of Christ’s arrival would lead to the light of the Spirit’s ministry in us and through us. Christ has since returned to Heaven, but the Spirit’s illuminating work continues in His Church.

As men of the Light, we seek the leading and filling of the Holy Spirit, knowing that we can’t do it without Him, and that we need Him to strengthen us, refresh us, teach us, and lead us into all that God desires His men to do and be.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for not only bringing Yourself to this world, but also the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us. May we be men filled with the Spirit, and walk in step with Him in every area of life. Amen.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel particularly close to the Holy Spirit? Go and spend some time with Him today!