“When I am in the flow of the Spirit, sin looks bad and God looks good. When I experience gratitude, contentment, and satisfaction deep in my soul, there is a good chance it is the Spirit flowing within.”- John Ortberg
“Do not quench the Spirit.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (ESV)
As John Ortberg concludes Chapter 3 of The Me I Want to Be, he notes that when we’re in the flow of the Spirit, we’re increasingly filled with the fruit of the Spirit. In addition, that fruit continues to grow. John explains how to make ourselves available:
“The Spirit is available to whisper to us thoughts of love and joy and peace and patience every moment of our life. Right now. All we have to do is stop, ask, and listen (emphasis John’s).”
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit never just flows in us. The Holy Spirit also flows through us. Through that process, others flourish as well. Writing in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, the apostle Paul issues a simple command. In a sense, John observes, that’s all we need to do: “Do not quench the Spirit.” Stated another way, our only job involves staying out of the Holy Spirit’s way.
Therefore, as we live out life, we either (1) do things that open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s influence or (2) do things that close ourselves off to the Spirit.
Thus, the more we form our habits around resentment, anxiety, greed, or superiority, the more often we quench the Spirit. To re-form habits takes time and patience. But, the Holy Spirit remains tenacious. John concludes:
“All that is needed in any moment is a sincere desire to be submitted to the Spirit’s response; a sincere heart never needs to fear that God is upset.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses keep you in the flow of the Spirit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “You are not God’s appliance, but His masterpiece”