There is a call, one might say cry, from the Holy Spirit for the people of the Lord to draw near to Him in an intimate way. We could say a cry for intimacy. When this cry is met with real Spiritual hunger, then doors of relationship begin to open for us and we begin to receive from the Spirit in different dimensions than we have before.
This is not a ladder “when one obeys, then they are rewarded” item. That is old covenant work and blessings follow the work. In the New Covenant, He has given all, and we get to receive it all. This is a huge mind-set change, but in working in grace, one will be able to receive and move in various dimensions of intimacy as they mature in the walk in the Spirit.
In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prays that the folk reading his letter would receive the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge (full-experience based knowledge – not just head knowledge). This is available to all, but many do not know it exists. The first 16 verses of the chapter deal with blessings that are automatic when one accepts Christ. This however, is a matter of asking and receiving what is available. That is readily given to all when asked. The following verses tell us about our eyes being opened and other blessings that are the result of that gifting.
What I am talking about, includes that, but goes far beyond in personal abiding. We are told to abide in Him. That is a present tense constant “with.” It is a dimensional relationship that goes far beyond most hungers.This one begins to open unto us the “deeper things” of His heart.
Each relationship we have in this world is dimensional and unique. The relationships I have in my family are mine and unique to me. My husband has his own. Yet we are the same with all, but each individual reacts to us in different ways. So it is in the Spirit and I so love that it is so. I am blessed by that fact because it removes any and all competition between us.
There are dimensions within all relationships. Seasons vary the type of relationship we have, as well as the situation of our lives. Relationship change and grow, or diminish depending upon our own situation. So it is in the Spirit. If we choose to walk constantly within and as one in the Spirit, then those dimensions differ from any other persons and change and grow into various other dimensions.
As my children have grown in their lives our relationships have changed with them. We still have deep love between us, but as adults, they respond according to all of our willingness for relationship between. It is by choice. It is not that one is favored over another, but ones relationship can be closer depending upon proximity and choice to stay in contact. So even in the natural, it is not favoritism, (if the relationships are healthy) it is instead choice.
So it is in the dimensions of intimacy. What the Spirit reveals to me in our time together as we live in one another may not be what He reveals to another in their time in Him. Our individuality, gifting, and capacity will determine what is received in Him.
Let me speak to capacity. Again, it is all individual and not “one size fits all.” The Scriptures speak to the varying seasons or ages of maturity. The words in the New Testament are babe, child, son, and ‘son of God in place’. So there are differing capacities that intimacy in Him develop. One varies from another.
Now we see the absolute necessity for the Body of Christ. We all have different dimensions and capacities of all that is in Him. Each one unique, yet each one is needful and necessary in the Body. Some are in more prominent positions than others, but that doesn’t make them more important nor “higher-up”, or even “knowing more of God that others.” Some have been able to develop their gifts, others may not have been. But the cry of the Spirit is for all to develop intimacy with the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Therefore, know that there is always more, no matter what your position is in life or in the dimensions of the Spirit. There is never a time when when any of us move in the ultimate. There is always more.
However, every dimension that He will open for me or for you, will depend upon our measure of willingness and surrender.
If I choose a way of thinking that is foreign to Holy Spirit’s ways, we will find a limitation of dimensions in Him. Our mind must continually seek for total renewal, not just ask and ask and ask for more, while holding on to unforgiveness, blame, and hurt, etc. from others, who by the way, may know better or be totally unaware of my heart. It is the silent hurts that hold feelings of being overlooked, misunderstood, or total betrayal. Such are the silent killers of the sought “more.”
Our total dependence upon Him is absolutely required in thought, word, and action. Learning His ways is critical. Thinking with Him is expected and required. Then as the doors to dimensions are open, we find we are on the inside and not left out at all.
In this place of surrender, we find we are always in a place of transition. The Lord is continually transitioning us into the next “more” where peace and glory abide in this new season. Learning to read His season and flow in that season in our thinking is absolutely full of tremendous joy!
The Scripture that comes to mind is Philippians 3, especially verses 7-17. If this was Paul’s plea, so certainly it needs to be ours as well.
If there is a lack of wanting more, I suggest we again surrender to all He has in mind for us in this moment and this season.
Philippians 3:7-17
If you wish to discover more, my sermon on this topic may help.
