Spirit and Fire 

God on Monday
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John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire’ (Luke 3.16). 

Reflection

Facing uncertainty and constant change can be daunting. It can leave us overwhelmed. As I am self-employed, I have experienced this firsthand, especially in navigating the contrasting work cultures of China and the UK. In China (where I am from), change in the sphere of work often appears to happen at break-neck speed; whereas in the UK (where I have been living for over two decades), I find that the emphasis is on careful planning and scheduling. This cultural clash can create significant challenges for both sides in the dealings in which I have been involved.

Such moments of tension push me to seek more than just good fortune; they inspire me to turn to God for guidance. In doing so, my prayer is not always that things will go smoothly but that I will have the grace to let go of the things I try to control. John the Baptist baptized people with something he could control – water. But in the verse above he suggests that the baptism the coming Messiah will bring will be far less predictable and manageable, as it will be a baptism of Spirit and fire.

The picture this gives of the baptized life is one of purpose and adventure. Sadly, such a life eludes many. Amongst the Chinese students I work with, I find many are trying to satisfy the aspirations of other people (often those of their parents), rather than their own. To compensate for their lack of fulfilment, they become absorbed in distractions. 

This is disheartening for me to see but it reminds me that deliberate personal choices are needed to live a spirit-filled, purpose-driven life. When we invite the indwelling Holy Spirit to mold us—if necessary through trials and hardships—we grow stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to face the challenges and struggles that life and work bring. We become more capable and confident people, exuding the warmth and brightness of Spirit’s fire.

Response

Reflect on how you have been kept through difficult times. What have these experiences taught you? Consider how the Spirit’s fire is shaping you through the fiery circumstances you may be going through.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may our hearts be filled with your Holy Spirit every moment of the day. Teach us to see difficult and awkward situations as opportunities for your refining fire to be at work in us. May your Spirit renew us and refine us, making us more patient, peaceful and creative in our work.
Thank you for your empowerment in and through our work this week. Amen.

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

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