A response from a friend to "The Price"

Hi Daniel,

Just wanted to thank you for writing this post. You gave me much to think about the Holy Spirit, and reminded me of something very simple...that if I'm not sure of something, I should try asking the Holy Spirit first of all.

Personally, I think I have doubts as to whether the Holy Spirit moves in the way that you describe because of fear. Thinking about it, I think it's the same reason why I was resistant to the Gospel before. Generally (this does not just apply to what you tell me about the Holy Spirit), I'm afraid of being wrong, that what I'm believing in would turn out to be something untrue or harmful or heresy (I'm always troubled by reports about cult members, terrorists, people who commit atrocities because they believe so strongly in a system, like communism, the Khmer Rouge, the Tamil Tigers, etc), because their examples show what happens when you really believe and place your faith in the wrong things.) It's not really that I want to grieve the Holy Spirit (at least that's what I think...). I think if I were living in Jesus's day and had encountered Him when He was on earth, I would have been one of those who rejected Him for being a heretic, because what He was
teaching was quite different from what the authorities or mainstream society approved of.

Of course, there are other reasons why I'm afraid. I'm afraid of people's rejection, of being marginalised by mainstream society. I think this is the price that one has to pay that you were talking about? Then I will think, the other Christians that I know really love God, and they seem to get along quite ok without radical things happening in their lives, and it's so much easier to just fit in with the crowd. I guess I'm afraid of paying the price, if indeed there is something to be gained.

I find that it really takes effort to keep an open mind, to consider a new perspective which is different from, even opposite to my own, to see whether it could be true. I would much prefer to be right instead of wrong--it's upsetting to realise that I have been wrong, and also very difficult to admit to people that I have been wrong. I guess that's my pride. So this fear of being wrong prevents me from going out on a limb and making a strong stand for something or another.

But if indeed the Holy Spirit is really like what you say, and trying to get to know the Holy Spirit in this way can help me to know God more and love Him more, than I would want to try to learn more about this...

Yup, so this is my two cents' worth.

Yours,
Anonymous (Name has been changed to protect identity)

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Elder's Response: This is a very reflective and heartfelt response and I just want to encourage the sister who gave this reply. I think it's important to know that all of us are not perfect, but what matters most is that we can come this honestly before God, acknowledging who we are and what we bring to the table. God is not looking for "perfect" people, but people who will be honest enough to acknowledge their lack. Although acknowledging that we can be wrong is unpleasant, but those who are able to do so will not be wrong much longer, for God is able and more than able to make us strong. To pretend we have it all together will postpone our healing and will not make us effective for God.

To this sister: May God grant you the faith you need to overcome fear. :) Your acknowledgment is a holy thing in the sight of God--and I pray He will soon reveal himself to you, in His love, grace, and power, and take away all the apprehension. I pray you will overcome, and that through your example, others who are equally as apprehensive will also move into knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit. God bless and keep you safe in his arms.