Parallels: Home and Spiritual renovation—Infrastructure part 1

(This is part of a series on what I learned through the process of renovating our home and the parallels to a life yielded to and experiencing God’s work in renovating our life and spirit)

Once the wood framing was completed and inspected on our 3-season porch and basement projects, we moved on to install the components of the infrastructure: the electrical system, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and plumbing. I had to determine what I could and couldn’t do in each of these areas. As the son of a pipe fitter, I learned from the best and have done many plumbing projects, so I knew I could handle that job with the help of my brother-in-law. I wasn’t as experienced in the electrical and HVAC areas, so I obtained some quotes and hired a licensed electrician and skilled HVAC technician to take care of these areas.

Similarly in our spiritual life it’s valuable to know our areas of giftedness, as well as areas where we aren’t as gifted. Then, with wisdom and discernment, we can partner with others in accomplishing the work God puts before us. Mother Teresa put it this way:

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; Together we can do great things”

Installing the electrical infrastructure

The electrical system brings power, light, and life to the various fixtures, appliances, computers, and more in a house. After discussing our needs and mapping out locations of outlets, lights, and switches, our electrician and his assistant went to work.  They skillfully installed a needed electrical sub-panel, placed the various electrical boxes, and pulled the Romex sheathed wiring through the framed walls. Throughout the process they followed electrical codes for appropriate wire gauges and circuits, to assure that there would be no fires or overloading of the electrical system.

The power running through all who follow and abide in Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as the personal Presence of God who proceeds from the Father and Jesus Christ.  The Bible points to the Holy Spirit as the One who hovered over the waters at the dawn of creation, a descending dove who affirmed God’s anointing of Jesus’ messianic ministry on earth, a mighty wind and tongues of fire that ushered in God’s indwelling presence in believers at Pentecost, and more.  The Holy Spirit works in complete unity with God’s Word and even helps people to better comprehend and appropriate the Word of God. This same Holy Spirit has enabled Christ followers to move in His power and work, accomplishing more than what is humanly possible. The same Holy Spirit is moving today in and through all who know and follow Jesus Christ.

My experience is that the Holy Spirit supernaturally energizes and empowers me in my day-to-day relationship with God. The Holy Spirit also flows through me as I interact with people and serve God in the moments and ministry he puts before me.  The Holy Spirit lifts my prayers with a Divine voice and power, brings me more and more into conformity with Jesus Christ, and supernaturally empowers me to accomplish things that could only be accomplished by God hand and not my own.

An important key in my relationship with the Holy Spirit is found in the word one:

“Let”

Just as I had to let the electricians do their work, I also must consciously daily yield my mind, spirit, and body to the Holy Spirit. It begins at the start of each day as I take time to invite the Holy Spirit into my being and consecrate myself to God. It continues throughout the day as I am prompted to let God move in the tasks, troubles, relationships, successes, and even setbacks that happen. Even at night, I invite the Holy Spirit to guard and guide my sleep, my household, my thoughts and dreams. 

Finally, the Holy Spirit can guard and direct us, so we don’t get injured, overloaded, or burnt out. Too often I have found I take on burdens and work that God never intended for me. The Bible reminds us to “Cast our cares on God” (see 1 Peter 5:7), and this often means waiting—and sometime even walking away from— things that could potentially cause harm to us.  I am learning to pray about every opportunity, asking the Holy Spirit for discernment and wisdom, before deciding or charging ahead of God. By allowing the Holy Spirit to oversee the “circuitry” of our lives we can be conduits of God’s light, life, and power to our family, friends, and communities.

I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit flow through the conduit of your being through prayer, time in God’s Word, and in worship as you walk in Him each day!

God bless you!

Chris Atkins