I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” – John 5:30
“Did you know you can get a ticket for following too closely?”
Someone very dear to me recently asked this question in reference to my driving. Hmmm, I wasn’t thrilled with this uncomplimentary critique.
“Of course I know that,” I replied somewhat irritably – all the while mentally critiquing his driving and then sharing some of my thoughts out loud. That’s probably subject matter for another post :), but speaking of following …
Whatever method suits our personality, we all make daily plans to some degree – even those who are the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” type. Those plans just get made at the last minute, reflecting a “live and let live” approach. As for me, I compose lists on scrap paper. Others use a spiral notebook or an attractive daytimer to keep track. Still yet, the tech-savvy simply enter their schedule onto their computer, iPhone, or similar device.
The Lord Jesus Christ didn’t rely on any of these methods. His approach was simpler yet far more productive: He sought His Father daily and followed the Holy Spirit’s leading. He did nothing on His own initiative.
I wonder what it would look like to imitate Christ completely in this way. Yes, God’s people certainly follow the Spirit to a large degree … but Jesus did it all the time. Perhaps that’s why interruptions didn’t bother Him so much – He knew they were part of God’s divine plan for Him and everyone involved. He knew they afforded Him opportunities to accomplish God’s will on a larger scale.
What about us? Do we depend on our lists or digital companions more than the Holy Spirit who dwells within? Are we more focused on our calendar than God’s timetable? I’m not suggesting we throw all organization out the window – it’s a necessary, God-given skill. Yet if it supersedes our dependence on the Holy Spirit, we have a problem.
On the contrary, daily listening to our Father and yielding to the Holy Spirit first and foremost grants us freedom and joy like never before. In doing God’s will, we find the purpose, satisfaction, and peace that characterized our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly days.
Life is so much better when we live God’s way. Unlike driving a car, we can never follow the Holy Spirit too closely. In fact, it will enable us to conquer the craziness of trying to do all and be all. Lead on, Holy Spirit!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
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“He sought His Father daily and followed the Holy Spirit’s leading. He did nothing on His own initiative” really hits the nail on the head. I want to pattern my life after that example. It seems that things get crazy and hectic often. This is a wonderful reminder to head to the Father in prayer whenever that is occuring and be willing to wait for His directive. We are studying prayer in Sunday School now. This just gives us another facet of this wonderful exercise of prayer.
/Thanks,
Sylvia
He did nothing on His own initiative.
I want that kind of reliance too, Emily. Thanks for sharing your post.
Jeanne
Yes – our Lord is such a perfect example! Thanks for sharing your thought. Love & prayers, Emily