I am not referring to Yoda, Luke Skywalker or the cast of Jedi Knights in the 6 Star Wars movies. Rather, I want to focus on a different force. This force is unseen, a supernatural power found in the Greek word arete.
Arete appears in 1 Peter 2:9, a famous passage which is quote frequently. This word has many meanings like excellencies, manliness, valor and superiority. However, in the Greek Lexicon, based upon the context of 1 Peter 2:9 arete is describing a force or energy of the Holy Spirit.
While all religions possess a certain power for their followers, nothing compares to the power of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-25. Peter is speaking about the power of declaring praises to God in 1 Peter 2:9. When an individual gives God the credit for a victory in life or testifies about Philippians 4:13 like Bethany Hamilton, the arete accompanies you. The best way to explain this is through Deuteronomy 28:1-2 which paints a picture of blessings. If you are feeling powerless today, don’t forget the arete, the force of the Holy Spirit.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 