We, as leaders/pastors in the church, are constantly praying for the Holy Spirit to descend on us, our churches and communities. This is especially true in Pentecostal circles because the work of the Holy Spirit is so central to pentecostal/charismatic culture. At the heart of those prayers is a desire to see the people of our congregations truly transformed. Every pastor has three goals: First, to see our congregants become more Christlike (which is the Biblical goal of every Christian). Second, as part of that process, we desire to see them conquer the sinful and unwise habits and lifestyle choices that torment them, making their lives difficult. Finally, we want to see the lost reached for Christ. We know that only the Holy Spirit can bring about the changes in their lives that will accomplish those goals. We also know that only the Holy Spirit can convict unbelievers of their sin and their need for Christ. So we pray for the Holy Spirit to "fall" on us and our community. We pray for revival.
And then we do our ministry in the strength of our flesh! Talk about contradictory living! We pray for the Holy Spirit to work in us and everyone around us, and then ignore Him as we go about planning programs, writing sermons, and orchestrating services. No wonder we are frustrated! The prophetic voices in the church have for some time now been speaking of a major revival that God is sending. I believe they are accurate in their predictions, and I am eagerly watching for it. But, revival in the church of America needs to first start with us leaders. We must learn to work by His Spirit and refuse to rely on the strength of our flesh. We must build the church with gold and silver and precious stones -- things of eternal value and those building materials only come through the Holy Spirit of God.
"Walk in the Spirit and you will not do the deeds of the flesh." Galations 5:16
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