I’ve been digging. Our hearts are deceitful; who can know them. We often think that because we have received the baptism of the Spirit, that all of our mortal and fleshly issues have disappeared.

Many of us were confused to find out many of our weaknesses and shortcomings were still there. In some way, it seems we were ushered in to expect we could become a full grown plant; a quick-step vessel of maturity. It never worked.

It seems I am being moved to talk about the way we have given answers in the past. This teaching of repeating to others what has been told to us, was often flawed.

Our growth in the knowledge of the Spirit, has been much hindered by us not seeking out the Word for ourselves; by not being encouraged to allow the Holy Ghost to teach us.

Today it’s obvious, that this is man’s teaching. I read again today, about the comments Jesus made concerning the traditions of the elders, and the commandments of men.

In too many cases, we were indeed eager to give an answer if we were asked, about the hope that was now in us through Him. I can only be perplexed about the way we have treated, and now treat ,one another.

In the past few years, I have become more and more shaken, about just how many times Christ and the apostles spoke of the attitude we should have toward our brothers and sisters in the Lord. It seems that no matter how much Jesus said it, or how often His apostles who followed Him preached it, we somehow didn’t hear it, or we ignored it. The result was….., nothing.

This particular writer of the apostles, spoke of just how we were to be on this journey, “…Be ye, all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful and be courteous,” 1 Peter 3:8.

In my earlier years, I truly did see this acted out among those who were genuinely full of the Spirit. But the more we were told to follow only what someone else declared, the more this kind of spirit seemed to disappear.

Playing favorites, exalting some above others, this showing partiality or respect of persons, which is a sin by the way, and these commandments of power/ control issues, led us away from following Christ and not being truly led by the Holy Ghost.

It seems that many of us were and are happily ready to give an answer; but somebody left off the that last part of this verse. And it says, “with meekness and fear:” There is a full stop there. Being aggressive, pushy, demanding and harsh, is not a fruit of the Spirit.

How many times, did Jesus Christ say, “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear?” Could it be, that one of our most serious faults, has been simply, not paying attention?

I believe that if we sincerely strive to follow the Spirit, the very best that we can, we will actually hear His voice. We will be listening; He will manifest.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed,” 1 Peter 3:15-16.

~ Robert Blackburn

Robert Blackburn