Under the InfluenceSample

Day 2: The Nordstrom Clerk:

Welcome to day 2! Today, we’re talking about Nordstrom clerks!

I like to shop in the men's department store at Nordstrom. I'm always impressed by their employees—inconspicuous, yet present and available. They get paid to be discreetly aware of customers’ needs, keeping an eye on those needing help and gently offering assistance at times. Now and then, one of them walks over and says, “Can I help you?” If you say no, the associate smiles and says, “Great. If you need anything, I’ll be right over there.” Then he walks away and folds shirts or taps on a computer until you have a question. These people are always close enough to help when you ask for it, but they also don’t get in your way.

That’s a simple but accurate picture of the Holy Spirit. He chooses to be inconspicuous but is always available when we call. He won’t shove His way in and tell us what to do. Rather, He stands by and sometimes approaches us to say, “May I help you?”

Amazingly, the Holy Spirit is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely God but chooses not to intrude where He is not invited.

Why does He behave this way? Because God places great value on our freely given love. He doesn’t want automatic, robotic love. Rather, He wants us to experience and express our desire for a relationship with Him. He is a passionate, authentic Being. Like us, He wants to be loved authentically. If He wanted, He could force or manipulate people to want Him more—but that wouldn’t be real love. He wants our hearts to choose Him voluntarily, so He gives us complete freedom and does not try to wow us into a relationship with Him. He wants our love more than He wants to impress us.

Being under His influence does not mean we are overpowered and out of control. Being led by the Spirit of God is a sign that we are a son of God (Romans 8:14).

So, like a well-mannered store associate, the Holy Spirit, our companion and helper, waits to be wanted. He is always there but does not force Himself into our decisions. He leaves room for us to choose Him, and then He waits.

When the Holy Spirit asks you, “Can I help you?” How do you respond?