50 Days of Wisdom

Almost any night, you can turn on the TV and watch charismatic television and see that it's emphasizing amusement and frivolity. There's a lot of laughing and sort of breathless gushing and time for silliness, buffoonery, and shallow talk. You can look at the expensive, lavish clothing and the whole scene and behavior that go with it. I get embarrassed because I know the watching world is looking at this and assuming that this is Christianity. Look, there's nothing wrong with praising God, laughing, feeling self-fulfilled, enjoying your Christian life, and enjoying life in general. But it seems to me that many in the Charismatic Movement seem so determined to pursue the emotional high, the quick thrill, the exciting event, the electrifying moment, and the exhilarating conference that they don't know anything about the serious part of spiritual life. They don't know about the consistent, obedient walk with God that deals with the reality of your life. And therefore, they've given up the rich rewards of that walk, and they've settled for a superficial frivolity, sort of a cheap substitute. And gaiety is no substitute for godliness. Real godliness doesn't carry with it some kind of silly emotional high. A truly spiritual and godly person pursues righteousness with a burning sense of conviction and a deep awareness of his own sin. And when the Spirit of God is at work, there's deep joy, but there's also a sort of corresponding, profound sorrow. Walter Chantry has aptly written, "When the Holy Spirit comes to sinful men, He initially brings sorrow. But in charismatic circles, there's only the boast of rapid transport to joy and peace. Any religious experiences which bring immediate rejoicing and uninterrupted cheerfulness are not to be trusted. There is much more to spirituality than a lifting of the spirits and entering into the exuberant life and in extending one's succession of thrilling experiences. Yet in many of the popular neo-Pentecostal societies, you'll look in vain for anything else. No one who has God's Spirit can walk through our world without deep groanings of sorrow and distress. When the stench of immorality fills his nostrils, the Spirit-filled man cannot be happy, happy, happy all the day. If the Spirit were to come powerfully today, it would not be to make men clap their hands for joy, but to make them smite their breasts in sorrow." And Chantry adds, "He's not the jolly Spirit; he's the Holy Spirit." Charismatics usually give the impression, however, that it's more jolly than holy. And the face of charismaticism that we see cast before us on TV projects so much of this. One of the most unfortunate characteristics of this movement is a continual emphasis on the astonishing, the dramatic, the sensational, and the idea that that's got to be a part of everyday life in order to be spiritual. But the best and clearest definition of true spirituality comes in the simple statement of Ephesians 5, which says, "Be not drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." That means, instead of being drunk with emotionalism, you allow the Holy Spirit to control your life because that is the essential issue. And that comes when you submit yourself to the Word of God. Scripture makes it clear that the only path to true spirituality is through the Word, prayer, and a daily step-by-step commitment to the Holy Spirit. Repent and believe! GTY.org (90-62) – What Is True Spirituality?

Today's Wisdom

Day: 1003

August 17, 2026

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Grace and peace,

My name is Mark Paul from Wauchula, Florida, and like the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:14, "I know that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent." Consequently, my goal is to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the kingdom of God long after I have departed. In other words, bear fruit for eternity. And by simply reading and sharing my free eBooks, you too become contributors to the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you for partaking in this endeavor, and I look forward to greeting you on heaven's shore.

The Truth in Love,

Mark Paul - Servant of God

Now grant, O Lord, that when the souls who read these books cast their eyes upon these lines, their minds may be illuminated and their consciences convinced and awakened, that they may see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and be converted so that You may heal them. Amen!