Mystic risks (continued)

disregard what does not ring true. We do not have to condemn one another, but need rather to hold on to what works. Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good . Knowing what God is saying is not logical, methodistic matter. We know because we know. God was not in Elijah's earthquake, but in the still, small voice that followed . Any unsettled sense in my spirit tells me that what I am hearing is not for me, at least not at this time. If my inner peace receives fresh wisdom, whether from a newspaper, a conversation, a scripture text or any other source, then I hold onto it. It is good.

"Mystics" is a mediaeval name for people with prophetic insight. Ancient Israel called them seers, Jews in later times called them prophets. We can call them what we like, and each of us can be one by God's grace. These are exciting times and God has poured out his spirit liberally, and beyond the narrow, doctrinal walls which some authorities would like to preserve. Let each of us enjoy a continuing communion with the God who speaks and seek the ultimate insight, which is called wisdom. There is more danger for the church in suppressing the spirit than in allowing revelation to flower and bear fruit, even if it challenges established concepts. This is a risk the church must take . If we can be trusted to speak truthfully to our children, how much more can we trust our heavenly Father to speak truthfully to us.

©Derrick Phillips
August 1990