Remember Easter?  We shouted for joy on Easter morning: “Christ is risen!  He is risen, indeed!  Hallelujah!” There was energy and excitement as we celebrated Christ’s victory over sin and death!  We sang songs of praise for Christ’s glorious Resurrection and the hope that is ours through Him.  The Spirit was palpable in our worship on Easter Sunday.  But by the next Sunday, when the lily cross and most of the flowers were gone, the brass players took their instruments home, and the crowds had gone away, I overheard some little kids saying, “This isn’t as fun as last week.”

They could just have easily asked, “Where is the Spirit at church?”  I wish I would have stopped them so I could have told them, “The Spirit is in you!”  In other words, the “fun”, the joy and excitement of Easter has been given to you!

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…” – Acts 2: 4

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”  – 1 Corinthians 3: 16

            On a Wednesday night during Lent, I met a visiting older couple right before the evening worship service.  Both JIFY and Confirmation had let out, and kids were running through the halls as parents and adults milled around in the hallway, and I apologetically said, “It’s a little crazy around here on Wednesday nights.”  With a twinkle in his eye, the visitor replied, “Oh no, this church is alive!”  

 “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.”  – Ephesians 3: 16&17

            A newer member of CV came into my office recently to talk about some new ideas he had, having a deep desire to contribute his many talents to grow the ministries of the church.  “People need to know that God has given them gifts and talents to share with others and contribute to the church,” he said.  And before he left, he came up with a great idea for a New Small Group that will start next fall (so stay tuned).  That man has the Spirit in him, and instead of bottling it up, he’s going to share his talents that the Spirit has put in him!

            So, the next time you come to church, instead of waiting for someone else to show a little energy and enthusiasm for their faith in Christ Jesus, maybe you are the one who needs to open up and share the Spirit that is in you!  Let a little Spirit into your singing and praying.  Show a little Spirit on your face as you greet people around you, and talk with people before and after church.  Look for ways that God will provide you to share the Spirit in you and use your God given talents and gifts!

            Where is the Spirit at church?  The Spirit of Christ is in you!