Ecclesia- Month 2 Homework

Every day, you and I walk on the soles of our feet without noticing them. Any hiker will tell you the importance of noticing “hot spots.”  It is important to treat these areas, on the soles of the foot, that are experiencing the warmth of friction in order to prevent further damage to the skin. Hikers understand the value of foot care because the foot is the vehicle used to experience the wonder of the trail.  

In 2018, I trained to cross the Grand Canyon.  For weeks, I diligently searched for trails that would stretch and strengthen my body and mind for the challenge ahead.  As the months before this grand adventure approached, the plan was set in motion.   The 4th training hike was to train the way I would experience the canyon, by first descending 3,000 feet. Starting later than planned, my friend and I took to the trail while our kids were in school.  That day, I noticed a blister and it was quickly treated. What I did not know was that the blister was developing because a tiny piece of a thorn had pierced the skin and was now trapped beneath the treatment, continuing to cause damage, and introducing infection.  Breckenridge trail was set to teach me more than physical and emotional endurance.  For weeks this area of my foot plagued me, which meant I walked differently and stood differently, to the point that my back was bearing more load than it could tolerate. So as I loaded the dishwasher one morning, excruciating pain flooded my low back.  I was no longer able to hobble along, I was in need of care beyond first aid. 

I think it is very relatable when Paul uses the image of the body to convey the value of each member in the gatherings of the people of The Way.  We have each experienced the power of a papercut, a runny nose, or a speck of dirt in the eye.  When one member suffers, the others respond with presence and care. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

This portion of the letter, to the people of The Way in the city of Corinth, is to help them understand life in the kingdom of God.  1 Corinthians 12:4-7 teaches that the Spirit of God is present and available to work, in and through each believer, for the good of another.  Chapter 13 goes on to magnify the importance of love over the method of movement of the Spirit of God into another's life.  Spiritual gifts are not given for our glory, but out of His love and desire to be experienced.  

Sam Storms, in his book The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, uses another of Paul’s explanations of spiritual gifts from Ephesians chapter 4.  Storms explains the purpose of exercising spiritual gifts is to equip and encourage one another to grow to maturity and together enjoy the unfathomable riches that are found in Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

I agree with Gordon Fee in that “The Holy Spirit is an experienced reality.”  My own experiences with the Holy Spirit have led me to encounter the heart of God for myself and for others.  My practice is to commune with God throughout my day.  I am overwhelmed that the Father, Son, and Spirit would long to dwell with me.  I want to lean into the practice of asking and inviting the Spirit to conversations and encounters I have with people.  I am believing that God longs to be more revealed and present to others as well, and that I may be a part of His work.  I like that way Sam Storms talks about spiritual gifts as a way that God meets needs.  I want to be able to listen to others and the whisper of the Spirit about what is needed. Is it illness, confusion, struggle with sin, shame, discouragement, or a physical need?  God may continue to move me to speak encouragement and His desire to dwell with us in the everyday mundane, in the hard, and in the hallelujah moments, or He may desire to show up in a new way for me that is more tangible for the other person to recognize as a God moment.  I am willing to ask, and wait, and see.