The Same Spirit at Work

By Jon Walker

“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18 NIV)

A time long ago and in a land far away, I found myself frustrated one day with a co-worker. Actually, frustrated is a mild word because, as my sweet southern aunts might say, I perceived this co-worker as contrary.

Just to be clear: I’m no choirboy, either.

In a Cold War sense, there were fights and quarrels between us, both wanting something, but neither one of us able to get it. Jesus’ brother, James, says this sort of conflict is evidence of ungodly desires (James 4:1–2). I realized that at the core of my frustration was our inability to get along, even though “the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, jealously longs for us to be faithful” (James 4:5 NLT).

This is what God whispered into my ear: “The same Spirit at work in you is the same Spirit at work in him.”

Did you catch that? The same Spirit at work in you is the same Spirit at work in him.

Is there another believer with whom you have trouble getting along? Remember, the same Spirit at work in you is the same Spirit at work in him or her.

This year, what will you do to try and bring peace between you and this person?

Jon’s new book is Breakfast with Bonhoeffer.

Jon is managing editor of Rick Warren’s Daily Hope Devotionals and the author of Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship.”  This devotional © Copyright 2013 Jon Walker. All rights reserved. Used by permission.