The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

—1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (TNIV)

Here Paul makes it clear that our faith is a gift from God himself. This passage also can serve as a self-diagnostic of sorts. Consider the cross of Christ. Does it make sense to you or does it seem like some superstitious nonsense? Where do your ultimate loyalties lie? How  you answer depends, in part, on your worldview. But it also depends on whether you have the Spirit indwelling you.

Such tests are necessary, of course, because of the non-intrusive nature of the Spirit. He is so gentle with us, so unwilling to violate our core personalities, that his Presence is often hard to detect without conscious effort. I think that is how it should be because none of us want to be little automatons or robots. To rob people of their freedom to choose is to rob us of an integral part of our humanity.

Of course, those of us who are blessed to have the Spirit living in us and teaching us do not have the license to become all haughty and puffed up with spiritual pride (nah, nah, nah boo-boo; I’ve got the Spirit and you don’t). The Spirit’s indwelling us has nothing to do with our worthiness or intrinsic moral character. It has everything to do with God’s gracious sovereignty. If anything, the Spirit’s indwelling us should make us fall to our knees in wonder and humility because none of us deserves to be blessed with his Presence.

As you attempt to observe a holy Lent this season, think on these things. Your ability to observe a holy Lent as well as any new insights you glean, are the product of the effort you exert powered by God’s very Spirit himself. What a wondrous gift. What a gracious God!