Spirit Denier
Is there a sin that cannot be forgiven?
Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. - Matthew 12:31-32
According to Jesus. one sure way to get God angry is to disrespect the Holy Spirit.
In today's reading, the Pharisees attribute Jesu's power over demons to Satan, rather than to the Holy Spirit. It is in this context that Jesus makes his statement about blasphemy.
He describes a situation in the parable of the sower where the Word is taken up and then after a while, it is rejected. That could be an example of what he is warning against.
We can reject Christ, but we should not reject the Holy Spirit. When God moves in the world through the power of the Spirit, and we recognize it as such, to then deny it would be blasphemy.
How much denial are we talking about?
One explanation I read takes it to a very personal level. Anything we do that goes against the will of the Spirit can be considered denial, and thus open us up to blasphemy.
I am not sure I like getting down to the nuts and bolts of minor sins, but I understand the thinking.
If I start building up walls to shield me from the messages God is sending through the Spirit, then I am shutting Him out, denying Him entry into my life.
Paul warns us of all the temptations of this world and how they pull us away from God. I believe that is the pit we can fall into.
I encounter people all the time who play on the sympathy and compassion of others to get money for drugs and alcohol.
They tell some moving stories and can be masters of emotion, praising God for our acts of kindness and vowing to change, to straighten out their lives, to be better.
Rarely do they accomplish that task, nor do many even try.
If the Holy Spirit is actively moving me to try to help, am I denying the Spirit when I back off and refuse?
I am not one to judge others, but I believe the one in denial of the Spirit is the one using God for personal gain, playing on the sympathies of believers who want to help.
I have always believed in the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice, shame on me."
Perhaps this is how the Holy Spirit sees it as well.
I will try to reach you, and when I do, if you accept me, we will move forward together. And I will be there for you whenever you choose to come.
But if you are just pretending, beware. For you will find yourself alone.
More to come...