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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Fame (05/10/12)
One of the most remarkable verses of the New Testament is John 16:13. In this verse Jesus shares with his disciples one incredible fact about the Holy Spirit: "The Spirit does not speak of himself." The Spirit of the Living God; the most powerful force in the universe never does things that would draw attention to himself. In other words: the Holy Spirit does not toot his own horn––and why should he? Power doesn’t need fame. Actually, the opposite is true. Fame needs power to maintain itself. But it still seems strange. When the Spirit does something good for a believer, how is the believer to know that the good deed came from God? And how is the Spirit to get the credit he deserves? And what is to prevent the believer from taking the credit for him/herself?

The verse goes on to say that the Spirit will guide us and teach us and show us things to come. The message is clear: the Holy Spirit sees himself as a support player: one who is always available with thoughts, words, and ideas and with supernatural power and support, but one who is always in the background. According to Jesus, it is the Spirit’s nature to work behind the scene in a supporting role and not in the role of the leader: one who seeks recognition and fame.

So why is the Spirit of God willing for individual believers to take the credit when good things happen? The answer is obvious. The Spirit is interested in the spiritual development of believers. Success, fame and recognition can be building blocks. Jesus disciples both then and now need the self-confidence and resourcefulness that can only come from individual successes. Success, fame and glory can be beautiful things, but they also demand personal responsibility, and the Spirit is looking for individuals who are willing to take responsibility for their spiritual activities. When Jesus sent his disciples out to do good things on their own (Mark 6:7-13), he was developing believers whom he hoped would later become his surrogates; believers who could and would go forth and do the same kinds of good things that he was doing.

Believers will not attempt to do miracles and other good things unless they believe in themselves. Certainly, believers must believe in God, but they must also understand the Spirit lives within them and the most powerful force in the world is on their team, and that the Spirit actually wants to get involved and make good things happen for those who are willing to step out and take responsibility for their spiritual actions.

I can’t believe for a minute that Jesus came into our world to give birth to another competitive religion. What would have been the point? The religion of Jesus is different, because believers have access to the Holy Spirit, the most powerful force in the universe, and Jesus wants us to utilize this marvelous force to move society forward. But it can never happen until believers become willing to take responsibility for their spiritual intentions; both their successes and their failures. If a believer has a success and fame follows, so be it. Let us all be grateful and supportive, because with fame also comes responsibility.
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This article has been read 819 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
05/17/12
Such a wonderful job with describing how humble, and gentle the Holy Spirit is. Yet powerful in all its meaning. I really liked the creative flow and the clever way you applied the topic.

Thanks. God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/17/12
This is a powerful piece. I enjoy the play on words. Certainly the Role of the Spirit will roll. The line about liking oneself before being able to do miracles or good things resonated with me. Nice job
Laura Manley
05/18/12
Very cleverly written and a piece that caused this reader to appreciate what is offered by the Holy Spirit.
Marina Rojas
05/20/12
This was thought provoking and I enjoyed the challenging thoughts I was presented in reading it.
Terry Lee
05/22/12
This felt fresh to me. I loved it, especially the concept that the Holy Spirit doesn't need fame for power, but Fame needs power...Loved that!

I found the whole thing intriguing, and a delicious treat. My only comment is that in the last paragraph, I couldn't understand how the first two sentences fit in. It felt like a separate topic to me.

However, fantastic job overall. I like the way you think.
Leola Ogle
05/23/12
Stirring and thought provoking. A great take on this week's topic. Good job! God bless!