That beep means a text just arrived. That ping indicates there’s a new reminder you set. One ringtone signals a call from one person, while another ringtone signals a call from someone else. A vibration could mean anything. Yet, we are tuned in, paying attention to every notification from our cell phones. You could say we have mastered the “voice of the cell phone.” But are we as attuned to the “voice of the Holy Spirit?”
We can see our phones, touch them, and feel their movements. We are very much in sync with this physical aspect of our lives. However, a larger part of us is spiritual beings, created in the image of the All-Powerful unseen God. Losing our cell phone can feel like a global disaster because so much of our identity is tied to it. But are we out of order in this regard? Our true identity lies in God, not in a device that brings convenience yet also extracts money, charges, fees, and various taxes from us.
Cell phones serve their purpose, yet God’s Spirit can do far more for us than these devices ever will. We can never afford to lose that communication. Jesus told His disciples and us, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:12-13).
The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit, who lives within every believer and is willing to guide us into every truth we need to live successful lives. He provides revelation and understanding of how the Gospel applies to every aspect of our lives. He ushers us into what some call “the best version of ourselves,” but what the Bible refers to as “God’s perfect will for our lives.”
More than the cell phone, the Holy Spirit constantly communicates with us through unctions and leanings, the revelation of Scripture, guidance on our path, encouragement, comfort, and correction when we stray into dangerous territory. He coaches us, shows us how to pray and worship God alone, and so much more. He is the one Jesus promised would come to lead us into every truth we will ever need. As we have learned the “voice of the cell phone,” we can also learn to recognize the “voice of the Holy Spirit.” It often isn’t a physical voice; rather, it’s a knowing within our spirit. Just as we become adept at responding to our cell phones, the more we study, notice, and obey the Holy Spirit’s “voice,” the more He will communicate with us in various ways and signs.
Invite the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4-5), into your life regularly and watch Him work. There is so much more to us and our lives when we walk in God’s Spirit—that is, when we are in communication with the Holy Spirit. The Bible puts it this way: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14). More important than beeps, pings, and rings is our God-given gift of communication with the Holy Spirit.
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
