“Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV)
Our heart muscles continue to function properly without any conscious effort on our part. They continue to work consistently as long as they are not damaged. Over time, arteries can slowly become clogged with plaque, resulting in a reduction of blood and a lack of oxygen, which can lead to heart muscle damage.
The Holy Spirit within us can also be quenched by neglect. If we routinely ignore or resist God, our sensitivity and receptivity to His Spirit decreases. Over time, our souls slowly become hard and stiff, blocking the flow of grace, stifling the Spirit within us.
How can we prevent this from happening? We can pay attention to God’s whispers--listen, trust, and obey. Many of us are resistant to the concept of obedience. It smacks of medieval conformity. Yet, our spiritual health depends on it. The more we respond and comply, the more sensitive and unobstructed we become. Eventually, our lives evolve into free-flowing channels for God’s Spirit.
No comments:
Post a Comment