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As You Think, You Are
The Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 speaks of rushing wind, flames of fire and the presence of the Spirit that brought a group of frightened disciples out of hiding and energized them to conquer the world for Christ. They were filled with enthusiasm, and all who witnessed it were amazed. The events in this reading probably stand out in sharp contrast to the way we normally experience life and our mission to be witnesses of Christ and his message. It is easy for life to become humdrum, if not discouraging. The never-ending responsibilities and ordeals we routinely face have a way of draining our ambition. Yes, we do what we have to do, but very often our heart isn’t in it. We work at our job and tend to our obligations, but do so with less and less enthusiasm. Even prayer and worship become dry. Sometimes it strikes us that we should be doing more with our lives, but often the feeling doesn’t last. Over time we become more resigned to life than excited about future prospects.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” What we need to understand here is that we share the same Spirit that flooded the apostles with energy and enthusiasm. The Spirit is the same, and is always with us. Our personal development is never complete. We have to work to build ourselves and the kingdom of God, and the Spirit continually urges us to new heights. The work of the Spirit, however, can be significantly thwarted by our proclivity toward laziness, apathy and resignation. As we get older, we tend to stop setting goals; we back down from commitments and run away from challenges; we’re reluctant to try something new. If we wish a better quality life, however, we need to fight these tendencies. The Spirit is always present to us as energy, but it is up to us to tap into that energy by struggling against the forces that pull us down. What this means is that we make a conscious choice for growth rather than comfort, for risk rather than safety, for more life rather than slow death.
Christians are Pentecost people, people with “spirit.” We stay “alive,” and feel most alive, when we determine to live with passion. We all know what a potent force enthusiasm can be. As a good coach might revive his dispirited team at half-time, it is up to us to rally ourselves to new zest in our marriage, better performance in our job, new friends, new interests, new activities, and new heights for our spiritual growth. We raise our spirits by living with spirit in everything we do.
As you think, so you are. What kind of thoughts occupy your mind most of the day? Dark, depressing thoughts, or positive, energizing thoughts? How you feel is up to you, by the kind of thoughts you allow. Wake up seeing every new day as full of possibilities for your happiness. Remember, it’s your attitude that sets the tone for what you will experience. Take responsibility for your energy levels. Read books that inspire you. Avoid people who make you feel down and associate with people who build you up. Make sure you eat properly and make regular exercise part of your daily routine. Commit yourself to live with passion and your spirits will rise. This is what it means to be a Pentecost people.