1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4 ESV)
It would be something if every time someone accepted Christ a tongue of fire would appear and rest on that person. What an amazing aspect of the new Christian life this would be!
However, today, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a mostly internal event. We show our acceptance through baptism, but everything else that happens is the change the Spirit creates within us. Yes, these changes should also produce outward signs of change in our lives and we should begin to produce good fruit. But for the most part, the Holy Spirit’s work is within.
It is what’s within us that motivates change, but it is we who have to change.
Reflect on: How has your life changed since coming to faith. What is the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
