WHEN THE SPIRIT SPEAKS, WILL YOU LISTEN?
Captured in the fashion district, this moment resonates with movement and inspiration. As we soak in the vibrant atmosphere, we're listening to "Can't Tame Her" by Zara Larsson—a melody that speaks of unstoppable energy and defying limitations.
She stood there smiling, her apron slightly dusted with coffee grounds, as she poured steaming cups of java at the artsy coffee stand outside the North Hollywood church. Sundays had become a ritual for her—a mix of espresso, laughter, and worship that felt relevant and fresh. This wasn’t just any church; this was the place to be. Trendy. Creative. Boasting a crowd that looked like they belonged in a magazine shoot, rather than at a pew. She felt proud to be part of something so alive, so vibrant, so…different.
The invitation to the church recital felt like a natural extension of the community she loved. It was supposed to be a showcase of art and faith, unfolding together in harmonious beauty. Wearing her best dress with excitement coursing through her, she took her place in the audience, surrounded by friends. They were ready to be inspired. But what followed stunned her in ways she couldn’t have predicted.
The music began, haunting yet alluring. A girl from the church took the stage. At first glance, she seemed confident, graceful even. But as the performance unfolded, it wasn’t beauty or worship on display. It was something else entirely—something dark, provocative, and unsettling. Her movements were inappropriate, her demeanor exuded arrogance, and it felt completely out of sync with the kind of purity Christ calls His children to pursue. The whispers around the room grew louder as it became clear that this wasn’t just a bad choice of performance—it was calculated.
The young girl’s heart sank as she and her friends pieced it together. This Jezebel-like performer had been placed there intentionally by the very person who was supposed to guide the flock—the pastor. It was public humiliation, a spectacle of shame aimed at the girl and others who didn’t align with the unhealthy dynamics secretly brewing in the church leadership. This young dancer had, as rumors said, been part of ongoing immoral behavior—entanglements with boyfriends of other girls in the church—yet here she was, elevated as an example rather than corrected with grace and truth.
It was then that the girl felt something stir deeply in her spirit. This is not of God, she thought, clear as day. It wasn’t just her emotions; it was the Holy Spirit communicating, urging her to discern the spiritual warfare at play. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” What she witnessed was more than a poor decision—it was an example of how pride, manipulation, and brokenness can infiltrate the body of Christ, masked as creativity and "relevance."
Heartbreak led her to seek counsel, to pray, and to ultimately walk away. The words of Romans 12:2 echoed in her mind: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” She left that trendy community and found refuge in a smaller church where Scripture, humility, and authentic relationships were the priorities.
She learned that the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in unique ways—through whispers in our heart, through godly friends, and through the Word of God. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Those who are in Christ are called to discernment, to listen, and to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
Now, I turn to you, reader. What is the Spirit speaking to you in this very moment? What are the truths He is pressing into your heart? Philippians 4:8 encourages us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Take a moment. Reflect. What does the Spirit reveal to you if you quiet the noise and listen?
-Pastor Mitchell Royel