”But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26 (ESV)
Out loud and in my head, I feel like I’m constantly asking, “Are you listening?” When my AuDHD preteen doesn’t pay attention, I get angry. When she pacifies me so I’ll shut up, my anger shoots to rage. Patience is a problem for me—I’m working on it. Feeling ignored hurts, even when I know it’s due to hyper-fixation, hyper-focus and distractions.
Let me paint a scenario of a recent ride to school:
Me: Try to ignore the bullies, honey. Remember that you are a child of God, so no matter what they call you, it’s not true. Kayla: Ok. Me: You are beautiful, kind, and sm— Kayla: Ok. Me: Please stop pacifying me. Kayla: I’m not. I just want to watch this video. Me: <to myself> That’s the definition of pacifying. Me: Don’t forget to bring your assignment book to each class. (I had received an email about this problem the day before). Kayla: Yeah, yeah, I know. Me: <seething> Well, excuse me for being a responsible mother.
After loosing my cool and dropping her off to school, it dawned on me how often we Christians do this do the Holy Spirit.
Let’s take this same scenario, but apply the Holy Spirit.
Me: Try to ignore the bullies, honey. Remember that you are a child of God, so no matter what they call you, it’s not true. Kayla: Ok Me: <in my head> She’s not listening to my great advice. Holy Spirit: She woke up late and this car ride is her only time with her electronics. Give her a break. Me: Ok, but I have more to say. She needs encouragement. Me: You are beautiful, kind, and sm— Kayla: Ok Me: Not even a “yee” or a “thank you?” Holy Spirit: She’s watching a show about slime. She’s hyperfixating. Me: Yeah, yeah, I know. Still… Me: Please stop pacifying me … Me: <pulling into the drop-off lane, seething> Holy Spirit: Have patience, Beloved. Me: Well, excuse me for being a responsible mother.
See what I mean?
I don’t know how God puts up with us. He’s always asking, “Are you listening?” and our response is, “Sure, God, whatever you say.” We pay him lip service instead of paying attention. He has provided us with HIMSELF to dwell inside us. All we must do is listen and walk beside him. But instead, we ignore his existence. We grieve him (Eph 4:30). We quench him (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
If we stay attuned to the Holy Spirit, He has so much to offer. He reminds us, convicts us, brings us comfort, confirms us. He is alive and living in US. We are God’s house—his temple. Yet we walk around and treat him like an unwanted guest.
Next time our kids ignore us or pacify us, let’s stop and ask ourselves, “Are you listening to the Spirit?”
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