Maintaining the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has many names. Counselor, Comforter, Holy Ghost, Spirit of Truth, and Advocate; just to name a few. No matter how many names the Holy Spirit has, WE need to know Him personally and maintain the relationship and closeness with Him consistently to develop spiritually. (James 4:8) Our expectancy and eagerness to experience intimacy with God through a relationship with Him is what helps us usher in the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 42:1-2) We also need not focus on others and their growth, but rather motivate, and encourage ourselves to mature in our knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit helps us control our temperament and emotions, and He will keep us from making bad decisions through obedience. (John 16:13) Once we receive the Holy Spirit our walk with Christ is a daily journey and requires a deliberate pursuit to be effective Christians. First, we must understand there is a difference between being filled, being full, and functioning in the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. The Spirit’s wisdom also reveals everyone’s gifts that were created to edify the Body of Christ and to glorify God. (1 Corinthians 12:11) Being full of the Holy Spirit is experienced through a continuous, active, and reverential relationship with Him. (Acts 6:5) Functioning in the Holy Spirit means we are yielding to the Spirit to speak through and move through our lives. (Galatians 5:25)

The gifts of the Holy Spirit must be developed. This happens through prayer, praise, worship, righteous living, fasting, and by seeking a refreshing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5-7) Our love for and our seeking after God will develop spiritual gifts like speaking in other tongues, prophecy, teaching, exhortation, healing, discernment, interpretation of tongues, and evangelism. (1 Corinthians 12 & 14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4) All of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit are meant to further God’s kingdom as well as deepen our relationship with Him. (1 Corinthians 12: 4-6) It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that restrains Satan from doing what he really wants to do. (2 Thessalonians 2: 6-10) There is one thing we should never do, and that is to quench the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) We are to yield to the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, spiritual gifts lack in the church for two primary reasons. One is our own complacency, or comfort in ministry. The second is our lack of true relationship with God. Saints, I implore and encourage us ALL to do better because time is short.

We need our Counselor, the Holy Spirit to help guide, bless, and teach us. (1 Corinthians 2: 12-13) God Bless!

By: Brittaney Clemmons