Spiritual Growth and Development

Almost every Sunday we publicly proclaim in our Creed that we believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Of these three persons of the Holy Trinity we tend to overlook the work of the Holy Spirit, which is most unfortunate. The function of the Holy Spirit is paramount in our faith experience.

In Martin Luther’s explanation of the third article of the Creed, he writes: “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord, or come to him, but the Holy Spirit called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith. . .” (page 1162 in red Worship book)

It is invaluable in our spiritual growth that we remain aware that it is not we who decide to have faith, but it is a gift that the Holy Spirit bestows upon us. It comes to us through hearing the ‘good news’ over and over again. There is a most meaningful term we use to speak of this phenomenal gift. It is “INSPIRATION”. Faith comes as a gift and remains a force in our lives by the “Inspiration of the Holy Spirit”. The root meaning of this word “inspire”, when used in this way is “to breathe life into. . .” What a gift first to be born into this wonderful natural world, and second to have this “new life” breathed into us that creates faith.

That is the reason it is helpful as a spiritual exercise to take and hold deep breaths, focusing on and giving thanks for each breath. In so doing we recall and reclaim that ‘inspiration’ or ‘breathing life into us’ that the Holy Spirit has done and continues to do. It is a worthy practice.