It’s an idiom used to encourage somebody, letting them know that you believe they’re doing something well or at least giving it a great effort.
“That’s the Spirit” can be a pat on the back for a job well done, but it’s more often an inspirational support for a person who’s facing a difficult task who’s just indicated they’re about to tackle it with determined energy. If your workout partner says, “I think I’m ready to add some more weight to the bar before the next set,” then you might reply, “Yeah, that’s the spirit!”
When you speak of having spirit, it can refer to energy, even enthusiasm. Having spirit can make a difference, to be sure; because attitude has a significant impact on accomplishment. Having spirit is a good thing. Having HIS SPIRIT, now THAT’s a game changer.
Today’s verse tells us THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, LIVES IN YOU.
There’s a scene from the movie The King’s Speech that comes to mind whenever I think of this verse. Britain’s Prince Albert had a debilitating speech impediment, and speech therapist Lionel Logue was delivering the therapy that was finally providing some breakthroughs. But an argument caused a break in the relationship that brought treatment to an end for a time. The scene I’m thinking about takes place when the now King George, realizing that he had been in the wrong and being determined to make things right, decides the proper thing to do is to go and offer an apology. So King George and Queen Elizabeth appear unannounced at the home of Lionel Logue.
While the King and Lionel are making amends, Lionel’s wife is understandably shocked upon her return home to find Her Majesty the Queen sipping tea at her kitchen table. Who wouldn’t be! Lionel enters the room and says, “Hello Myrtle, darling. I believe you two have met, but I don’t believe you know King George VI.”
When I read today’s verse, I see that same sort of “guess who’s at our house?” introduction being made. But, of course, there is one small twist. When Mrs. Logue asks, “Will Their Majesties be staying to dinner?” the Queen replies, “We’d love to, such a treat. But, alas, previous engagement; what a pity.” If Mrs. Logue that thought the first two surprises of her afternoon were significant, imagine if the King had replied, “Actually, we’ve been invited to move in, and we’ve accepted!”
And yet, that’s OUR situation precisely as people who’ve chosen to listen and obey; folk that have proclaimed Jesus as their Lord. His Majesty has accepted your invitation to move in!
THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, LIVES IN YOU
In the Temple built during the Old Covenant there were outer courts, a holy place and then a place called “The Holy of Holies” where the Ark of the Covenant and the very Spirit of God dwelt. But now under the New Covenant, as amazing as it seems, YOU have become His Temple. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God.
He’s the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do! You know him, because He doesn’t merely dwell with you, He lives in you. And so Truth dwells in you and leads you. Truth can speak through your lips. His Spirit within you leads and guides, His Spirit causes you to walk in His statutes and be careful to obey His rules. Truth guards your way. Jesus prayed for His disciples and asked His Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
He’s the one who has been called alongside to help you. Your Heavenly Father has sent Him to strengthen you and encourage you. Think about those two words with me for a moment, will you. Strengthen – His Spirit adds to our strength. Encourage – His Spirit adds to our courage. You and I both face situations where we need more courage, where our fear and our doubts hold us back from being who we were created to be. The good news is that His Spirit strengthens us, His Spirit encourages us. He leads us and equips us, we need only follow — the closer the better.
A country singer named Kathy Mattea made “Come from the Heart” a number one hit on the US Country Music charts in 1989. Among the lyrics were these words:
You’ve got to sing like you don’t need the money
Love like you’ll never get hurt
You’ve got to dance like nobody’s watchin’
It’s gotta come from the heart if you want it to work.
There’s some truth to be found there, you know. The ability to be joyful in all things and content whether we’re in plenty or in want comes from the heart. The faith to continue loving even after a previous love has brought us pain comes from the heart. The courage to step out and give life’s dance everything we’ve got to give even when we know we’re not the best one on the dance floor comes from the heart. Thankfully, our hearts are the temple of His Holy Spirit. His Spirit adds to our strength. His Spirit adds to our courage. His Spirit living in us – you and me.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, LIVES IN YOU
So step out, and press on. Sing like no one is listening … but Him. Love people like He would, even if it hurts; He did. Dance like nobody’s watchin’ – freely and without holding back.
It’s gotta come from the heart if you want it to work.
When you can sing because HE loves to hear your voice – That’s The Spirit.
When you choose to love even the unlovely because HE wants to work through your hands and feet – That’s The Spirit.
When you courageously step into the dance of life because HE is your dance partner – That’s The Spirit.
It’s gotta come from the heart if you want it to work. But, thankfully, He’s there.
That’s HIS Spirit living in you!
THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, LIVES IN YOU
