This is part two of “Living the Pruned Life,” where I’ll be sharing a collective paraphrase of Jesus’ pruning words from John’s gospel. Christ’s promise is that he’ll make us more fruitful as we embrace and live by these words. So make sure you read yesterday’s post. Today’s topic?
GUIDANCE.
My Jesus is the light of the world, so as I follow him I’m never in the dark. How could I be? I have the light of life!
It’s like this: The wind blows wherever it pleases. I hear its sound, but I can’t tell where it came from or where it is going. Because I’m born of the Spirit the same is true of me. I’m led wherever he pleases, according to his mysterious ways.
And so, I do nothing on my own.
It’s simple, really. As one of Jesus’ sheep, I listen to his voice. He calls me by name, he leads me, and I follow. The Counselor, the Spirit of truth my Father sent in Jesus’ name, he teaches me all things, reminds me of everything Jesus says to me, and guides me into all truth. He doesn’t speak on his own; he only speaks what he hears, just like I do – and he tells me what is yet to come. He brings glory to Jesus by taking from what is Christ’s and making it known to me. And Jesus doesn’t call me a servant, although that would be incredible enough. No, a servant doesn’t know his master’s business. Jesus calls me his friend. His friend! Everything he’s learned from His Father he makes known to me, just like a friend would. Amazing!
The Spirit of truth convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. In light of this, I’m learning to make right judgments by refusing to judge by mere appearances. I judge only as I hear, because Christ’s word is truth. My judgment will be just if I seek to please my Father instead of trying to get my way.
Tomorrow: ACTION.