Gifts of the Holy Spirit

“I pretend to no extraordinary revelations or gifts of the Holy Ghost; none but what every Christian may receive, and ought to expect and pray for.” -John Wesley

Wesley wrote these words toward the very beginning of the Revival in 1739 when many people were concerned about the message of the Methodists. The concern was based on a number of different things; some of them valid. We have to remember that a few of the practices of Methodism (small groups, itinerant preachers, ecstatic experiences, etc.) were similar to those of earlier revolutionaries in the precious century who caused great upheaval in Britain.

But Wesley wasn’t looking to upend the Crown or the Church. Rather, he was trying to restore the faithful witness of Christians and help them see that they, too, can experience the transforming work of God in their lives.

So, this quote fits within that perfectly; God is not only active in the world, but is more than willing, desirous even, to be a part of our lives.

In a recent conversation about holiness, I received an interesting question asking whether holiness of heart and life was simply for the “super Christians” or those who had the time to—almost professionally—commit themselves to the project, and I said, “no!” Holiness is for everyone. And we can make that claim because the Holy Spirit is at work, calling out to each and every one of us. A holy life, like Wesley’s claims about the Holy Spirit, is not extraordinary in that regard, or at least it shouldn’t be.

The Holy Spirit is at work, and we are given the opportunity, constantly, to cooperate with that work. Doing so as a Christian isn’t extraordinary, it’s actually quite normal. With all the various ways that God uses to reach out to us, that small nudge, the means of grace in particular, the opportunity is all around us.

In our work, in our play, in our families and with our friends, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit is available to us. We don’t serve a distant God. Instead, we walk with a God who not only calls us to Himself and wants to be in relationship with us, but who is closer to us than we can imagine.

This truth is extraordinary in a certain sense. But definitely not extra-ordinary. What is extraordinary is what God can do with people like you and like me.

Ryan N. Danker is director of the John Wesley Institute, Washington, DC. This is adapted from a weekly JWI newsletter that can be subscribed to here.

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