A Spirit-filled Life
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-2
To God’s elect, exiles scattered … who have been chosen … through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…
1 Peter 1:1-2
Today is Pentecost Sunday. On this day when the Christian church focuses on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), let’s reflect on Romans 12:1-2 and look again at the opening verses of 1 Peter.
Christians are called to be children of God—and that means being holy children of God. A holy lifestyle is the natural and joyful fruit of the “sanctifying work of the Spirit.”
What is holiness? Just as a mechanic realigns a car’s wheels so it will drive safely on course, so the Spirit realigns human lives and hearts to walk the path of true life. Followers of Jesus begin to have different attitudes, motives, and actions because the Spirit of God is working in them, making them more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Holiness must become our great pursuit. As we grow to listen to, learn from, and live by God’s Word, we are being transformed by the Spirit. A genuine child of God is eager to hear his voice, be clothed in his truth, and live as one “able to test and approve what God’s will is.”
We are often tempted to focus on self-seeking opinions, feelings, and personal comforts. But God’s children refuse to be conformed to the world. They are simply committed to holiness, the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Are you following the Spirit’s lead and living as a child of God?
Dear Lord, may your Spirit equip me to live a life pleasing to you! Enlighten my mind and direct my path. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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