Filled to Serve: Embracing the Holy Spirit’s Work in You
As we embark on the Pentecost season, let’s reflect on whether we are actively incorporating the Holy Spirit’s guidance into our lives. This will undoubtedly be a challenge for all of us, but a worthwhile one.
The mighty presence of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is with us today. Let’s not miss out on this transformative power!
Understanding the Holy Spirit as a Person
Many people believe the Holy Spirit’s absence from sight means He is not actively working in their lives. Others go to the opposite extreme, spiritualizing every detail of their experience in life.
The truth is: The Holy Spirit is a person, referred to as “He” in the Bible. He speaks to us, guiding our daily steps. We learn in Scripture how to avoid grieving Him and how to pray in accordance with His will.
As 1 Corinthians 12:1 tells us, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”
We shouldn’t be ignorant about spiritual matters. If we want our lives to truly reflect Christ, living in the fullness of the Spirit, it starts with a commitment to understanding His work within us today.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, tells us, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body… and were all given the same Spirit to drink.”
When we are baptized, we receive the entirety of the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean acquiring more of the Spirit, but rather surrendering more of ourselves to His guidance.
Think of it like this: Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being led or controlled by the Holy Spirit. This is the key to living a victorious Christian life, overcoming challenges daily.
The question naturally arises: “How do I experience this daily filling of the Holy Spirit?”
The answer is beautifully simple: Ask Him!
Just like receiving salvation comes through asking God, so too does being filled with the Holy Spirit. As Paul says in Galatians 3:2, “Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?”
Living a life that truly matters for Christ begins with being filled with the Holy Spirit. Make it a daily practice to ask God to fill you with His presence.
Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Paul goes on to list various spiritual gifts, such as healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues.
While some focus heavily on “sign gifts” and debate their role, Paul’s main point is that everyone receives a unique spiritual gift. These gifts are not meant for personal gain, but to serve others and build up the body of Christ, the Church.
The defining characteristic of all spiritual gifts is that they benefit others. As Paul states, “the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Here’s the key question: What gift/s has God given you that can be used to help others?
Discovering your spiritual gift and using it for the benefit of others is a fulfilling way to live a life that truly matters. It’s how you contribute to your Christian community and glorify God.
The Fruits of the Spirit: Worship, Thanksgiving, and Mutual Submission
How can I recognize the fruits of the Spirit in my own life? Here are three key ways:
- Joyful Worship: Filled with the Holy Spirit, people naturally overflow with joyful worship that celebrates God, not themselves. While singing is a common expression of this joy, it’s the authenticity of the heart, not outward displays, that truly matters.
- Thankful Living: Christians often forget how important thanking God is. True thanks go beyond words ‒ it’s appreciating God’s plan through Christ. We shouldn’t thank God for bad things but we should see how even bad things fit in His plan. Gratitude transforms us and helps us live ethically. We can get used to God’s blessings, but the Holy Spirit can help us rediscover thankfulness.
- Mutual Submission: Filled with the Holy Spirit, Christians show respect to Christ by humbly giving up their self-importance and serving each other’s needs in love. This “mutual surrender” strengthens Christian communities and reflects God’s character.
Conclusion
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who acts as our comforter, counsellor, teacher, and guide. (John 14:15-18) The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life, witness for Christ, and fulfill God’s calling.
So, pray to God today! Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit so you can utilize the gifts He has given you to build up others and glorify Jesus Christ. This is how you make your life truly count for Christ.
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