Decades ago, when I was just a youngin in the Lord, I was befriended by a mature believer. Golly, it was so long ago, I forgot his name, and yet his witness has stuck with me.

He was a safety shoe salesman, hocking his wares from construction site to construction site in a large panel van. He covered a large geographical region, and was often on the highway. As we got to know each other, he would find me occasionally reading my little New Testament, and would help me in understanding the Word.

One passion Frank had (let’s call him Frank), one passion he had was to speak in tongues. Now remember, I was very young in the Lord, and primed for any teaching. I had little to no discernment and found I gave men much freedom in their influence over me. (In other words, I didn’t test the teaching like I needed to!). I was entranced by his witness, listened to his stories and enjoyed his friendship very much.

Frank would drop by and tell me glowing stories of the Lord personally teaching him mysteries and truths that were modern day messages for him, and all he could reach. He was so charismatic (I mean that in both his personality and theology), it was hard to think objectively.

Until he spoke of a time he was driving down the 401 (North America’s busiest freeway), between Windsor and London Ontario, and was slain in the Spirit. Wow! What is it to be slain in the Spirit Frank?

Frank described the utterances he spoke, of his shaking and his visions. His visions, that required his eyes to be closed. While on the busiest highway in North America. While travelling 100 km/hr. In a large panel van!

Golly. Something don’t sound right!

He spoke of the Spirit guiding him into all truth and of the mysteries the Spirit was revealing in the last days, of the Spirit working through the gift of tongues to bring about revival and renewal, of the Spirit Spirit Spirit.

Such heady stuff!

Enter George.

I may have spoke of this fine believer earlier (See Story Time – Christian Accountability – Obey) He is a humble man that loved the Scriptures and I appreciated his willingness to discuss topics or questions I had. I described my relationship with Frank, and some of the stories he had told me. George simply took me to John 16.

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14

He mentioned that according to this passage, Jesus describes the Spirit of God as the shy member of the Trinity, One who emphasizes Jesus and not Himself. He will guide, speak, declare and glorify the Son. Self speaking seems to be omitted from the list of tasks the Spirit will perform, since the Master tells us that “he will not speak on His own authority”

Chatting with and listening to Frank was exhilarating, mystifying and attention grabbing. But there seemed to be a bunch of self in the story.

Let us look to the Lord Jesus, and let Him determine who is to be magnified. And who is to guide, direct, speak and glorify Him.

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