THE CHANGE AGENT

Although some folks aren’t serious enough about life, others are too serious. They are so miserable because of the badness of the world that they can’t enjoy it’s beauty–they even lose the ability to laugh. They want change. They work for change. They often act as though everything depended on them, that others can’t get along without them. Their intentions are good, but their assumptions are wrong. We can’t change the world. We’re not God.

 

These words from Jesus help us gain the right perspective. Speaking of the Holy Spirit, He said, “He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”(John 16:8)

 

Commenting on that statement in 1757, Samuel Davies wrote:” The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world!—–
  legislators may make laws against crime;
  philosophers may reason against vice;
  ministers may preach against sin;
  conscience may remonstrate against evil;
  the divine law may prescribe, and threaten hell;
  the gospel may invite and allure to heaven;
but all will be in vain!

The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears—all will have no effect—all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!

Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed—and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7.

Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world—until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.

It is He alone—who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!

It is He alone—who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!

It is He alone—who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces.—- mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world—what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!

Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
  to break the heart of stone,
  to enlighten the dark mind, and
  to comfort the desponding soul!”