What a wonderfully extraordinary privilege we have as believers to be led and spoken to by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is likened to a dove that will stay where He is welcome. Every believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we all have the same opportunity to hear and be led by the Spirit.
One way the Spirit can lead us through inner promptings that are always in accordance with God’s word, but sometimes we can miss that leading or dismiss it, excusing it away. So what does it look like to be so sensitive to the Spirit that we move as He moves and speak as He leads?
John 3:8 says the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
The truth is that the Spirit wants to lead us in all aspects of our life. So Romans 8:14, says, for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. However, certain things will hinder His leading. Galatians 5:17, 19- 22, states: for the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul goes on to list the life-giving fruit of the Spirit, but take note of the works of the flesh hindrances listed above that can keep us from being led by the Spirit. Two other common hindrances are bitterness and unforgiveness, which can grow in us. Hebrews 12:15 says, see to it that… no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
With this in mind, is there anyone you need to forgive today? Forgiveness isn’t saying what a person has done is right and okay, but taking them off your hook and putting them onto God’s. Equally, is there bitterness that has crept in on you that needs repented of and laid at the cross?
Your life in Christ is too important to be hijacked and held back by any works of the flesh, bitterness or unforgiveness. So let me encourage us to lay aside every weight and sin (Hebrews 12:1) so that we might be so sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, in tune and obedient to His inner promptings. He has so much more for us!
We close with this verse from Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the indwelling Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, we do not want to grieve You. We repent of works of the flesh, bitterness and unforgiveness. We trust You with our hurt. Holy Spirit, we ask that we would be so sensitive and obedient to Your word, inner promptings and leading. Let us live daily a life led by the You, Holy Spirit. Amen.