Stop, Look, and Listen

This is a questioning post. I'm not at all sure where it leads, it's just something that has been rolling around in my spirit. The bible speaks of Christ and the Church, in the same relationship as a husband and wife. The women seem to grasp this easier than men. That they have a partner who is better equiped to handle a lot of the problems that come up in living. It appears to me that this attitude of Deferring to Another is a grace that men need in their walk and work in the Lord.

Beyond all dispute the women of God have had a great impact for Christ. They learn early in life to make a conscious decision to "let him handle it". This is a vital part of the christian walk. In our manly life this is contary to "being the man". Of Moses it was said he was the humblest of men. To me that translates into, "the least self-assertive". Or "always willing to be seen and not heard". Prefering to let another "handle it".

The role of the Holy Spirit in our lifes is to be "the helper", but if we are already running ahead of him, then his work is voided, and we are left to our own devices. We all as christians possess knowledge, but knowledge puffs up, love builds up. Jesus didn't preach the sermon on the mound in the temple! In other words, there is a time and a place for every truth. And a truth for every place. But they are not the same, and are not for the same people.

The whole point is to "be led by the spirit". Then our work will be effective, and the kingdom will be established, both for us and for others. The starting place is to be "committed" to following the leading, and waiting for the leading of the Spirit. If we aren't committed, then when we are led we will not recognize his leading. The conscious decision to stop and listen, waiting for an uction to speak, or to do what we're led. In becoming familiar with the "still small voice" of the Spirit, we will grow to mature obedience, and instant response.

The Lord gives us many opprotunities in our lives, in small things, in ordinary everyday life. We need to turn our attention to him, and wait for him, and hear and do what we're told or perceive in our hearts. To fail is not the issue, to learn is the goal. So that we will be of more use to the Lord. Not to try is the worst thing. Our trust in the Lord's leading will grow. So as we live in Him, let's be conscious of His presence in us. And look inward, to hear, and to see what, if any thing we should say or do. Making it a habit to "stop, look, and listen", before we run off ahead.