Energy, Imagination, Intelligence, and Love

Photo by Kelly Sikema on Unsplash 

"No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.' But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets."

-1 Corinthians 2:7‭-‬10 NLT

Yesterday I asked a group of church elders to react to the part of our ordination vows that encourages us to lead with "energy, imagination, intelligence, and love."  Their responses to these four words weren't surprising.  Some feel the lack of energy. Others hope for more imagination. 

No one mentioned intelligence or love. I wonder if we feel more able to produce those two without too much effort? 

I am finding that using my imagination gives me energy. Maybe that's partly because I need the Holy Spirit's inspiration to be creative.  

Really we need the Holy Spirit for all four. In Romans 5:5, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts. But that's not all.

Jesus said:

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 NLT

Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Jesus' words are the inverse of this psalm and the many other verses like it:

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths." -Psalms 24:1‭-‬2 NLT

If everything we have and everything we are comes from God, then of course apart from him we can do nothing. 

I know what you're thinking  -- you do all kinds of stuff all day long, and probably much of it without thinking about God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit.  Me too. That doesn't mean they aren't there helping you. The more we pay attention to our Three Divine Friends, though, the more we work together better. 

I am still working on understanding this and putting it into practice. I am best at it in the morning when I am looking back at the previous day and thanking God for whatever happened...or didn't. 

Today I am thankful for medical miracles that brought good news yesterday, for safe travels, for that conversation about the four words, and for the people involved in it all.

Thanks, God.