Joe, Sam and Peter were three brothers who lived and worked together in the city of Toronto
The problem was that wherever they would go, everyone would speak to Joe and Sam but ignore Peter. Often, people would praise Sam and Joe for the great jobs they did at work, but never even acknowledge Peter’s part. Peter became used to being ‘welcomed’ and then being left alone, but it hurt to watch his brothers enjoy the company of so many people. Though Peter tried to engage those around him in conversations and foster relationships with them, it was to no avail. He felt like he was treated as nobody or insignificant, especially compared to his brothers.
Eventually, Peter gave up trying and just waited for the very few people who would spend any time with him. Peter’s brothers always took notice of those few who did not ignore their brother and gave special attention to them. You see, it made them sad to see their brother left out as he was an important part of them. Still, they never gave up on the people and hoped that one day others would realize the true worth of their dear brother Peter and treat him better.
Take a few minutes to think on these questions.
How would you feel if you were ignored or treated as insignificant like Peter? (sad, angry, frustrated, hurt?) Do you think you could be close to someone who treated you that way? What kind of relationship can you have with someone who ignores you a majority of the time?
This story is based in fact, but the names were altered so that you could understand Peter’s situation. In this case, Joe and Sam’s real names are God the Father and God the Son- Jesus: and you guessed it, Peter’s real name is God the Holy Spirit. Three individual ‘persons’ with distinct personalities who live in complete unity with each other, yet one of them often ignored. Only one question remains for us:
Do we ignore the Holy Spirit or do we treat Him as a legitimate, essential member of the Godhead in our thoughts and practical attitude toward Him?