Update #162 - Filled vs. Led

“So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.” Romans 8:12-14

Po Lin Monastery Viewpoint, Hong Kong

How do you make decisions? What process do you follow when analyzing a situation? From whom do you gain, garner, gather input?

We, at The Institute, have asked this question a lot – and the answers vary. Most of our clients get an idea or ‘unction’ (while exercising, in the shower, talking to others, at church) then chat with their staff, spouses, family, friends about the idea and its probability; after the ‘due diligence’ stage the executive team, husband/wife, leaders make the final decision.

I think this is a pretty normative process – proposal, research, decision – whether it is for a new pair of shoes or a departmental addition. Common sense and best practices usually are the guiding parameters.

The next question we usually throw out on the table is: Where is God in the process? Where do you pause to pray, obtain his opinion, understand his viewpoint?

Some of our clients look at us in wonderment – even though they are “Christian” companies – they are stymied at the thought God would be interested in whether they implement a new HR training program, purchase a new asset for the office, or hire a new driver for the CEO. Others say they pray God would guide the process but after the initial request don’t check back to ask God’s opinion; in essence they are saying “Bless the process God – bless what we are doing.”

I can only imagine God, more aptly, Holy Spirit is a bit miffed by this.

When we give our lives to Jesus, when we surrender ourselves into his care, his lead, his kingdom, he gives us a gift; Holy Spirit enters our lives and takes up residence. He doesn’t come and go, he doesn’t take breaks, he doesn’t sleep – he is alive and active 24x7. We are triune beings – spirit, mind and body – but most of us live a dual reality.

We take incredible care of our physical body (eating, exercising, exfoliating) and mind (acquaint, ascertain, absorb) – pouring time and money into their improvement and upkeep. Developmentally they are like supreme bodybuilders. In contrast, our spiritual maturity is puny, unexercised, underdeveloped and wimpy. Because of this asymmetry, on the rare occasion the spirit does throw something into the ring for consideration the bodybuilders become bouncers and throw it out.

“That is crazy!” “What are you thinking?” “Where did that ludicrous idea come from?” “That has never been done before – where is your common sense?” “You didn’t really think that through did you?” “Have you been drinking?”

God doesn’t always make sense. In fact, more often than not what he proposes is a bit crazy, over the edge and unhinged from our human point of view. But, as time passes and our spiritual robustness improves the well-tended bouncers have more and more difficulty eradicating input and preventing action. Spirit-led lives most likely will not stay on the “normal” track – and they are anything but boring!

So, I ask you again: How do you make decisions? Are they common sense, best practice led? Are they bouncer bound? Is the Spirit asked for its opinion? What keeps the Spirit from having greater input? Fear? Are you Spirit-filled but not Spirit-led? If yes, what steps can you take to improve your spiritual robustness? What fun adventure are you missing while keeping the bouncers happy?

Updates:

Travel – I’m safely home and dealing with jet lag (again). It isn’t too bad, most of the time I am sleeping well, but last night after just 4 hours I was staring at the ceiling. I was mighty productive before 6am!

Work – Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow then off to the Call2All conference in LA on Monday for a week… if you are attending, look for me at the rep booth!

Personal – Camera is still dead. I am going to take it in to see if it can be repaired after I get back from LA… I can hope!

Requests:

Travel – safe drive to/from LA, air tickets to Seattle

Work – for traffic at our Call2All booth – nothing like standing there for HOURS with no one to chat with!

Personal – my camera to be healed, and for my jet lag to be fully, finally abolished (80% there!)