The Holy Spirit

This time of year, we focus much of our attention on the second Person of the Trinity – Christ. From Christmas carols, to Christmas sermons, to reading the Christmas story with Emry several times a week while we “act” it out with her Little People nativity scene. (In her version of the story, every single character must have a turn riding the donkey to the stable.) So, it’s brought a different perspective to read A.W. Tozer’s Alive in the Spirit during the holidays.

I often forget when I read Tozer that he has been dead for well over 50 years. His concerns for the church and the way of so-called Christianity are as pertinent today as they were when he wrote his simple, easy-to-read exhortations. That probably shouldn’t surprise me. King Solomon wrote thousands of years ago that there “is nothing new under the sun”. Our conflict with the sinful world might change skins (like a chameleon), but it’s still a sinful world.

In his Alive in the Spirit, Tozer challenges his readers to focus on the often overlooked third Person of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit. In our focus on Christ’s work on our behalf and the Father’s sovereignty in bringing Christ to that work, we often do overlook the Comforter and Guide that has been left to direct and mold our lives while we remain on earth. It brings to mind John Bunyan’s image of the Holy Spirit in his book The Holy War – a once admired old leader in the city of Mansoul, shunted and left to grow older and silent in his forgotten castle while the souls of Mansoul go to ruin. A very sad state of affairs.

And, I wonder, is it often my state? How often do I consider the work of the Holy Spirit? Do I shun His comfort and guidance, closing Him away on a daily basis with my “I got this” attitude? Tozer will certainly make you consider your perspective of the Holy Spirit – a good reminder not just during Christmas but all year long.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review purposes only.