Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC
Revisiting the Church’s Strategic Document
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on a unique experience that unfolded within the Church of Sweden. We were in the midst of revisiting our strategic document, a process that brought with it deep, thought-provoking conversations about our mission and the theological foundation that drives our work. As we combed through the document, it became apparent that it beautifully outlines the roles of God the Father as Creator and Jesus as Redeemer. Yet, something significant was missing—the Holy Spirit. This absence made me question why we so often overlook or feel uneasy about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit and Our Uncertainty
I found myself wondering why the Holy Spirit, a vital part of the Christian Trinity, is so often associated with discomfort. During a gathering at my house, a lively discussion sparked among us, centering on this very topic. The consensus seemed to be that the mention of the Holy Spirit often brings up images of miracles and disruptions in the natural order—things that make many of us feel uneasy. It became clear that there is a subtle fear about what might happen if we truly allowed the Spirit to work within us.
Lessons from The Shack
Reflecting on this, I was reminded of a book I read years ago, The Shack. It’s a story about a man who, in the wake of deep personal trauma, seeks to deepen his relationship with God. The book describes the three persons of the Trinity in ways that might feel uncomfortable to many of us. God the Father appears as a large, nurturing African-American woman baking cookies in a kitchen. Jesus comes across as a free-spirited, hippie-like figure, and the Holy Spirit—referred to as “Saria”—is an ethereal, ever-moving presence, like the flow of water or air. The character of Saria, elusive and unpredictable, captures that very quality of the Holy Spirit that makes many people uneasy. The Holy Spirit, by nature, doesn’t fit neatly into our desire for predictability or control.
The Fear of Losing Control
This fear of unpredictability made me think more deeply. What is it about the Holy Spirit that makes us so anxious? In The Shack, Mac, the protagonist, struggles to follow the Holy Spirit because she moves so fluidly. It’s no wonder, then, that many people, myself included, might feel apprehensive about opening ourselves up to a force that defies our expectations. Yet, the Holy Spirit isn’t just about stirring things up or creating chaos. The Spirit also sustains and breathes life into us every single day.
The Life-Sustaining Breath of God
I’m drawn to the powerful imagery from the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet is taken to a valley of dry bones. As Ezekiel speaks, the bones come together, sinews form, and flesh covers them. But it isn’t until the breath of God—the ruach—enters these bodies that they come to life. This, for me, illustrates the Holy Spirit’s true nature. Without that divine breath, we are lifeless. It’s the Spirit that quickens and animates us, the very life force that keeps us going.
The Ordinary and Extraordinary Spirit
I’ve come to understand that the Holy Spirit is present not just in extraordinary, miraculous events but also in the ordinariness of everyday life. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—aren’t just abstract virtues. They are the building blocks of a healthy, thriving community. Without them, it’s impossible to live together meaningfully or reflect the fullness of God’s presence.
Gifts and Fruit: Two Aspects of the Spirit
The Spirit’s gifts, like speaking in tongues or prophecy, can seem intimidating or even unsettling. But there are also gifts that are familiar and comforting, like teaching, preaching, and hospitality. All these, whether extraordinary or ordinary, are manifestations of the same Spirit. I think back to The Shack again, where Mac is asked to cultivate a chaotic corner of a garden. Before he can plant anything, he has to clear out the mess, bringing order from chaos. It’s a reminder that for each of us, there’s a need to make space for the Spirit to work in our lives, transforming disorder into something fruitful and beautiful.
Personal Reflection on My Creed
In my own journey, I’ve begun to question what my personal creed would look like. What role does God the Creator play in my life? How does Jesus the Redeemer impact my daily decisions? Most importantly, how do I engage with the Holy Spirit? How do I make room for her wisdom, for the breath of God that sustains me and guides me? This week, as I think about the Trinity and prepare for Trinity Sunday, I feel called to reflect more deeply on the Holy Spirit’s place in my life.
A Call to Embrace the Spirit
For me, the fruit of the Spirit isn’t a gift that comes and goes. It’s something that was placed within me at baptism, always present, waiting to be nurtured and made visible. The gifts of the Spirit are given to us as needed, but the fruit—love, joy, peace, and the rest—are constants, already there, ready to shape my relationships and my community. My hope is to make space in my heart and life for this fruit to manifest more fully, to let the breath of God work through me and bring me closer to the divine.
Final Blessing
May we all find the courage to let the Holy Spirit work in us, to bring love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to life. Amen.
This reflection is not just a theological exploration but a personal journey into understanding the Holy Spirit’s significance in my life and community.
