Liturgical Highlight :: Pentecost

I’m tempted to approach life as a series of to-do lists. I have my work list, my home list, that list that stays in my purse, one on my phone, and one in my mind. 

Some weeks, as I constantly add to said lists, I feel progressively “behind” in many areas of life. In the name of productivity, I lose sight of fellowship with God. I let go of the things that I know are good and healthy but don’t necessarily have a looming deadline—things like prayer and reading Scripture. The result is always the same. Sin creeps up over time, in small ways at first, as God’s voice becomes unrecognizable amidst the loudness that fills my life. 

The other day, I found myself in this cycle—overwhelmed by all that had yet to be accomplished, frustrated by my sin. I missed my time in the Word, but felt like there was no time to prioritize it. Almost without thinking, I prayed, “God, I’ll get my life together, then I’ll read my Bible.” 

That promise surprised even me.

There I was, trying to “clean myself up” to be presentable before God. I wanted to prioritize better and fix my sin before welcoming Him into my life. But I can say with certainty... That’s not how relationship with God works. 

As I write this, we have just celebrated Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41). And as I reflect on what that day means for you and I, I realize that my “promise to God” written above reflects a stark misunderstanding of who God is and how He relates with His children. 

Pentecost is the day in the church calendar in which we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. Over two thousand years ago, God sent His Spirit to literally live inside of all believers in a new and powerful way. He went to such great lengths to be with us, to offer Himself freely to us.

Pentecost reminds us: It is not our doing that brings us to the Lord; it is His. 

By God’s Spirit, we are drawn closer to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). By God’s Spirit, we are convicted of sin (John 16:7-8), enabled to walk in holiness (Galatians 5:22-25), and assured of our coming inheritance in glory (Ephesians 1:13-14). 

We may never feel “ready” or “good enough” to go to God by our own strength. To-do lists will always feel pressing; the weight of sin will feel unbearable. But we would do well to step back in surrender and approach Him as we are. You and I are invited to participate in the work that God is already doing, not the other way around. He offers to help us walk in step with Him, that we may pattern our lives after His promptings. We cannot solve our sin problems, get our priorities perfectly in line, or curate a desire to know the Lord from somewhere within ourselves. 

But neither do we have to. We live in a post-Pentecost world. Praise God!