We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

1 Corinthians 8:1

Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. We never want to be moved from the simplicity that we have in Christ. It can be so easy to get enamored by the intellect of men. Paul, who was very strong intellectually, counted all of his history and knowledge loss that He might know Jesus in the fullness of the Spirit. Impressive sermons won’t do you much good if you don’t have your own communion with God in place. Somehow as believers we have to find the place of effectiveness that flows out of a place of encounter with God. Ritual comes in many forms.

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3

We want the fullness of the Spirit that comes through an intoxicating relationship with God. There is nothing more powerful than the simplicity of the love of God being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Often we should ask the Holy Spirit to pour that love inside of us. This love is good for us and others. As we experience His love then loving others is a natural outflow and occurrence that is effortless.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

As people of His love we need to learn to receive in the heart that goes beyond the head. When I first came to the Lord I was delivered of so much stuff. I had a great zeal for the Lord – which I still have by the way. But in a short period of time I came to the place where I knew “how to pray” and “how to do the spiritual this and that”. The longer I’ve been with the Lord I feel the less I know in many regards. History does teach you some lessons. We all have blind spots and over time you can see in retrospect what you didn’t see before.

All to say that the most important thing in my life has been valuing my time with God, knowing how important it is to be in His Presence and receive of His Spirit. For those of you who strive to do everything “perfect” – forget it.

Learn to hang out with Jesus, love the Holy Spirit and go with His flow. Hear His voice. God is not after our perfection. The only perfection we experience in this life is His perfection living inside of us by the Holy Spirit. How much more then do we need to spend time in His Presence and welcome the Spirit to fill us to the overflow?

Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house,
And the place where Your glory dwells.

Psalms 26:8

If you’re going to strive for anything in life – strive to live in the Presence of God, valuing the Person of Who He is. There is no place like His place. No better place to be and Person to hang out with. He is the best!