Insight for Living Learn More Donate Today

Boo! I'm the Holy Ghost. That's what some people think whenever the subject of the Holy Spirit arises. But who is He, really, and what exactly does He do? Is He an actual ghost, a fog-like substance that floats in the ceilings of cathedrals or hovers over cemetery plots like an ethereal phantom? Hardly! Let's learn more about the essential role of the third member of the Trinity.

Churches today are often distracted by ministry efforts that are well-intentioned but can take our eyes off the primary focus. It may be trying to popularize the youth program so that kids hang out at church. Or reaching out to the community with acts of kindness to improve our neighborhood profile. All these efforts are worthy, but they should all point to a singular focus.

According to Scripture, we shouldn't be surprised when people are perplexed by the cross of Jesus Christ. To the unsaved, it looks like a foolish plan. Paul explained that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. Paul warned us to turn our attention to what really matters - the cross of Christ - even if the world thinks it foolish and weak.

Not many people are powerful, not many are rich, not many are famous - though many wish they were. No one wants to appear foolish or weak, which is why the allure of worldly ways is so enticing. The world has built a better mousetrap, so it seems, coaxing Christians onto it's spring-loaded trap of humanism and intellectual pride. But Paul would have none of it.