Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit
is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Dear beloved, let us delve into God's Word with utmost
humility and openness, as we discuss a matter of crucial importance to our
Christian journey - the peril of resisting the Holy Spirit.
Scripture reminds us of the prominence that the Holy Spirit
has in our lives. In Ephesians 4:30, we are cautioned, "And do not
grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of
redemption." This scripture underscores the critical role that the
Holy Spirit plays in our redemption and sanctification. Thus, in our journey of
faith, it is paramount we yield to the Holy Spirit instead of resisting Him.
When we resist the Holy Spirit, we stifle His divine counsel
and guidance. Let us reflect upon Acts 7:51, where Stephen reproached the
Sanhedrin saying, "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and
ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you."
Resisting the Holy Spirit leads us to remain unyielding. It betrays a hardened
heart, and a soul unwilling to change or grow.
Resisting the Holy Spirit impedes our spiritual growth and
our relationship with God. It is akin to walking in darkness while disregarding
the light that God has provided to us. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our
Comforter, and our Helper, as promised in John 14:16. When we resist Him, we
are saying we do not need His help, guidance, or comfort and can rely on our
own understanding.
Resisting the Holy Spirit is a silent killer of spiritual
growth. It induces spiritual stagnation, promoting a sense of complacency
within us. It breeds a breeding ground for the enemy to plant seeds of doubt,
fear, and discord. We see this vividly portrayed in the life of King Saul (1
Samuel 15). Saul's continual disobedience and resistance to God's Spirit led to
his downfall.
So, how can we avoid resisting the Holy Spirit? First, we
need to yearn for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and accept His convicting power
within our lives. It requires humility on our part. It may not be comfortable,
and the lessons it imparts may be difficult to bear. Yet, yielding to the Holy
Spirit allows God to mould us and shape us into the people He desires us to be
– people reflecting Christ's love, grace, and mercy.
We must also foster a regular pattern of prayer and
immersion in God’s Word. Regular, passionate prayer and sincere study of the
Bible keep our hearts soft and receptive to the Holy Spirit’s influence, as
promised in Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light
to my path."
Finally, it is essential to surround ourselves with a
fellowship of believers who are also led by the Spirit. The church, our
collective body of Christ, plays a vital role in nurturing our spiritual
growth, and in helping us remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Beloved, let us make a solemn decision today not to resist
the Holy Spirit. Let us yield to Him, allow Him to guide us, comfort us, and
transform us. It may require a leap of faith and a willingness to move from our
comfort zone. But it is a journey worth embarking upon – a journey that brings
us closer to God, aligns us with His will, and transforms us into true
ambassadors of Christ.