Who Am I?
Monday, July 28th, 2008 : By Ken Rutherford
Who Am I?
On Sunday, we did a “Theatre of the Mind” where I asked the above question and gave a list of ten characteristics. Here’s the list:
- I cause thoughts in your mind that influence you to do things you wouldn’t normally think you should do.
- I influence others to treat you in ways you might find offensive.
- I put obstacles in your way and prevent you from doing what you think GOD wants you to do.
- I infiltrate even the church and cause Christians to act in abnormal ways.
- I’m often caricatured and associated with the likeness of a wild animal.
- My power is underestimated—often by ignorant Christians.
- I cause you to doubt yourself and those you love.
- I roam to and fro across the earth seeking those whom I can overwhelm by my powers.
- I am the MASTER of persuasion—even using the very words of Scripture to bring about my plans.
- I cause men to question their right standing with God—often plunging them into deep despair.
I came up with this idea (and the list) based on “debates” I’ve had with other believers over the work of the Holy Spirit. As one who is reformed in my theology, I recognize that the monergistic work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration is the one doctrine of Calvinism that probably sticks in Arminian craws more than any other.
What I concluded is that many Christians are, unfortunately, more amenable to ascribing the power to persuade, direct, and influence people to the devil than they are to God the Holy Spirit.
What other ways do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life to persuade, direct, and influence?
About The Author
In 1979, God grabbed ahold of my life and has had me in his big grip ever since. My passion is learning and teaching about God and about his word. I believe that God created us to discover his glory through intellectual pursuits. My other passions, in descending order, are my family (my wife Carla and our three kids), my profession (graphic design), community service (through my position with the Gwinnett Chamber and through coaching sports), and singing.
More entries by Ken Rutherford
One Comment
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This reminds me of The Screwtape Letters. It’s interesting to contrast the frustration of the demons with the sovereignty of God… God never tries: his word never fails.
To your question: how does the Spirit persuade, direct, and influence? The easy answer is that he illuminates God’s word. The normal way of things with the Spirit is to give an internal testimony to an external revelation — for example, the Gospel is preached (external) and conviction of sin results (internal), producing repentance…
Hugh Williams : July 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm