Perspectives: You’re Asking for the Wrong Things

New Jersey Conference's Youth Ministries director says  although Jesus tasked us with spreading the good news, He only promised us one, important tool.

Story by Paulo Macena

Paulo Macena serves as the director of the Communication and Youth Ministries departments for the New Jersey Conference.

Preaching the Good News to the entire world before the Internet was a gigantic task for the disciples. One would think that Jesus would promise them a set of new skills, put them in an important church position or give them knowledge and influence in the church board or money and recognition. Instead Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit alone! He promised them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth”(Acts, 1:5, 8). Please, don’t get me wrong, all these things: skills, position, knowledge, money or recognition are important and have their place in any organization, however, these things by themselves will not make any difference for the God’s kingdom.

If you think about it, God is the originator of all good gifts. In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus explains, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Note what Jesus said, “your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” Have you ever had a problem or a desire to serve God and prayed for Him to give you things? I know I have. I have asked for a new job, for more baptisms in the church, for higher tithe or for better leaders, but sometimes I forget to ask for the Holy Spirit.

As a good Father, God has been answering many of our prayers, however He is waiting and eager to hear one prayer—“Please, give me the Holy Spirit.” Our Father in heaven, the originator of all good gifts, will gladly offer you all the power you’ll need to accomplish His mission if you would only ask.

Paulo Macena is director of New Jersey Conference’s Communication and Youth Ministries departments.