Polishing

When we read Jn. 16:8 (NLT), “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment,” we usually don’t argue too much. Why? Maybe we assume sometimes the Holy Spirit is most concerned with convicting those in the world who do not believe in Jesus; that He was and is a real, historical person with a wondrous goal. Perhaps we overlook the Holy Spirit’s goal for those who already believe. He is still concerned with our sanctification. The idea of making something holy and dedicated means He continues to work on us when we think we don’t need more polishing, but we do. We are not sinless, only declared so.

A purpose, an invitation (call)

Someone pondered, You look but you cannot see him. You see only the fabric of circumstances woven and interlaced. You might question the purpose behind this thread or that. But be assured, God has a pattern. He has a plan, the Bible promises us this. He is not finished, but when he is, the result will be beautiful! "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" ( Romans 8:28).

Nourishment

Humans have several innate needs to survive. Besides physical nourishment, humans need psychological support. A part of this support is a need for purpose, particularly something to motivate their focus. Besides purpose, or perhaps along with it is a need for some level of appreciation. When appreciation crumbles, bullying finds a ripe field in which to blossom. Some level of appreciation does not mean complete acceptance of all words or actions, but sincere concern for the source. When another person realizes we are open to considering their struggles, then when we attempt to understand and appreciate their challenges; they will likely allow us to help them find better solutions to those situations with which they struggle. A relationship has elements of: understanding, a level of acceptance, a level of disagreement, overall concern for the individual, and willingness to help the person and ourselves. The prime example of this is God. For those who believe in Him and recognize a need for His help, He accepts whatever they have become and provides the Holy Spirit to help them overcome the past. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2CO 3:17

Dedicated

When one has a great interest in something, normally we might say they are focused on that item. This focus may turn into infatuation or deeper interest. Such attitudes can wane at times, replaced by other interests. When the attention and focus does not wane, the persons may develop a strong attachment and commitment to the item; this can then become dedication. When one becomes dedicated, many personal preferences lose some of their importance, making way for closer bonding to that item. Oh, another word describing this "dedication" is "holy." When the item is God we can grow closer to Him by allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us toward that end. "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT

Inner being

What is your inner being except your heart. "heart' is a short way to describe the reasons and motivations for all we think and do. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, we are strengthened and encouraged to do the things Jesus would have us do. Additionally, people will somehow receive benefit and God will be praised. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ..." — Ephesians 3:16 NIV

Hear

Some scriptures are chock full of references a person from that early culture would immediately understand. In the passage today, there are several: First, around this time, a locked door indicated some level of protection from what was without, and opening the door meant trust of the person who is to come inside. More than this, when one invited a person into his home, the home owner was expected to do all in their power to give them aid and even protection. A meal was understood to indicate a level of acceptance and close fellowship. The final word is "hear." This word meant more than absorbing the sound that is made, it meant understanding what was said. One can listen to words and not understand their meaning. This describes a sincere invitation to those people who are able to understand the significance of having a vey close relationship with God via the Holy Spirit. ""Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends . . . Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." Rev 3:20;22 (NLT)

Living by the Spirit

Living by the Spirit is a difficult exercise sometimes. Frequently it requires actions that my seem new, unexpected, and difficult to visualize the end result. Yet, if we live our lives doing the actions that Jesus did, the result will work out in a way that praises God. Those actions we take will reflect our learning progress along our journey toward heaven. "But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. — Galatians 5:5 NLT

Aid

We often think of help as another person providing aid so that we may complete a planned activity. This is accurate for tasks in the physical realm, but falls short for tasks in the spiritual realm. Tasks in the spiritual realm are dictated by God and He has provided Jesus to provide the needed aid because no human can supply such needs in the spiritual realm. When Jesus, our Lord, went away, He left the Holy Spirit to help us (as much as we will allow) for needs in the spiritual realm. When we are focused on the spiritual realm, mankind's actions in the physical realm should have no affect on our completed activities for the spiritual realm. "So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" — Hebrews 13:6

New life

When we became Christians, Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. We have been born again, or perhaps better, "born from above." (Jn. 3:3) Now, the Holy Spirit lives within us, making our bodies part of a Temple and blessing us as we serve God. We can be courageous people even in the face of attack, criticism, and ridicule because of the Spirit's empowerment. This indwelling also produces fruit exhibiting actions of which God would approve. Additionally, the Spirit pours love into our heart and provides courage for serving God. The Spirit's powerful presence can help us overcome sinful leanings and live the lives Jesus desires. 

Cry

Does God cry? If Jesus as a human cried and He told us we see the Father through Him, it is safe to conclude God can become deeply touched. The text literally says Jesus "shed tears." (Jn 11:35) While it is unlikely that God, beyond Jesus has the ability to shed tears we think of as humans, He is still touched by events surrounding His children. What did Jesus cry about? Was it the death of Lazarus, who He knew He would bring back to life shortly, or the sadness He saw in Mary and Martha - those very close to Him? Based on other writings about Jesus, I propose it was due to His sympathy with these women, people who He cared about. Well, Jesus now cares deeply for His creation and whatever form it may take, He is certainly saddened by human challenges. Jesus mirrored this when He tried to interact with the Jews, "He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored." Mark 3:5 (ESV)

Idolatry

Idolatry is essentially considering someone or something greater than ourselves and becoming servants of that thing. The one greater thing should be only the God, Jehovah! Scripture is clear that God directed the Holy Spirit to live within the Christian. Since that is the case, shouldn't we avoid anything that is counter to His efforts? This will make the Spirit's task of sanctification easier. If this is a formidable effort, He will help overcome these challenges if we ask Him. "Put to death (become separated from), therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5 (NIV)

Real Life

Physical life is a regenerative force motivated by our hopes and desires, fueled by our perpetually degrading physical bodies. Spiritual life is perpetually developing and being made more effective by the indwelling Holy Spirit. "But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:10-11 (NIV)

Stumble

When we encounter impediments as we walk, we may stumble. Perhaps our foot hits an obstacle as we walk and we must regain our balance before moving on. Our spiritual lives with Christ is described as a walk. We must attempt to walk carefully and surely. If we stumble in our spiritual lies, the Holy Spirit is nearby to help. "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: ... in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;" — 2 Corinthians 6:3-6 NIV

Well done tasks offer praise to God

Many of us work very hard at the tasks we embrace. If these are a godly tasks, they will turn into praise to God in some way. We may never visualize the final results, but (if we ask) the Holy Spirit can help use any activity to offer praise to God, somehow. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)