Understanding God, Myself, and the WorldSample

Who is the Holy Spirit? 

For many of us, the Holy Spirit can be a vague, or strange topic to talk or think about. Who, or what is the Holy Spirit? Why is the Holy Spirit so important in our lives as followers of Jesus? What does the Holy Spirit do? Many times, popular opinion in the modern church shapes much of what we know about the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that not all of these popular opinions are correct. In order to make sense of all of this, let us say a few important things about the Holy Spirit as He is revealed to us in the Bible:

1. The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a force. The Holy Spirit cannot be used to get things done. We use natural forces like electricity to work for us. But the Holy Spirit is a Person. He is God, just as the Father and the Son are also God. We should foster intimacy with the Holy Spirit just as we build intimacy with the Father and the Son. We cannot be in control of the Holy Spirit. Rather, He is in control of us!

2. The Holy Spirit is here to complete the mission of God, not to give us various spiritual experiences. Unfortunately, in our experience-driven culture, the Holy Spirit often becomes equated to worship and mystical experiences. This misses the point. The Holy Spirit is among us to complete the mission of God, not to enhance our spiritual experiences.

3. The Holy Spirit is holy. We should not elevate the spiritual gifts above character. The Holy Spirit demands, and fosters, holiness in our lives. The word “holy” is included in His name after all!

Now let us look at the passage of John 16:4-15. This passage describes the role of the Holy Spirit as the Helper. The Holy Spirit helps us predominantly by convicting and guiding us. Take note of what the Holy Spirit especially convicts us of: sin, righteousness, and judgment! He convicts us of what is true (sin, righteousness, and judgment) so we may repent and be born again (by the Spirit), and He guides us in truth, so we may continue in righteousness as children of God. 

Do you neglect intimacy with Holy Spirit in your life? Make it a priority to spend time in prayer daily where you ask the Holy Spirit to lead you according to His ways. Also, be open to listen to His guidance.