Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay
How can one be transformed by the spirit if one doesn't actually exercise their spirit?
Also where's Neil at? The other day I got reprimanded for being half as condescending as you are being now. Or is it only the people who totally bash the LC and Lee are able to get away with blatant mocking like this?
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Hi Jay,
I think I can understand to some degree how strongly you feel about this.
I am have to admit exercising my spirit as taught by Witness Lee was new to me and I find it strange but still attempted it for the sake to learning something new. Just in case I was too narrow or bias.
After many years of it, I concluded its function and the way it was practice and encourage in the meetings was limited and its effect on me was very short lived. Though others kept doing it, I just let them be.
It did not transform me. At best it prevent me from loosing my temper, from sighing, it saves me from fear and anxieties, more of a stress reliever, a form of self restriction, a boost of strength and motivation to get through a situation I don't like. But it did NOT transform me to be like Christ in His attributes. Its more of a behaviour modification tool to me.
I cannot see anywhere in the bible that the transforming power of God comes from the exercise of our human spirit. Some may be drawn tp some interpretation and conclude in it, but I don't see it.
Paul taught in Romans that
the mind set on the spirit leads to life.
The Bible teaches us that
God desires our heart to be turned back to Him. This is consistent throughout the whole bible.
Though I do know that the exercise of the human spirit whether a person believes in the Lord or not is a very powerful and effective tool in that it helps people overcome their fear and anxieties from the negative thoughts that are in their minds. It is used in competitive sports, in pre-battle cries, multi-level marketing, etc. It makes us feel strong and motivated to face certain challenges.
But note that this tool is only a coping method and not a transforming work of the Holy Spirit. to me it is still a form of "natural" strength.
The transforming work of the Holy spirit come from our willingness to reflect and respond to the Word of God, and being able to verbalize our offences to Him (a confession). It is what
genuine repentance looks like and is a big part our transformation.
I hope this is of some help to you.
I pray that you can find real rest and be able to discern and trust in the Word of the Lord!
-Sunshine.