Monopolized by the Holy Spirit

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I’ve read several biographies on the life of D. L. Moody. What an inspiration he was to people in his day—and in ours as well, as his devotion to Christ still inspires believers today.

He left his church for a period of time to lead a revival in England. At a meeting of pastors in London, one old and influential pastor argued, “Why do we need this 'Mr. Moody'? He's uneducated and inexperienced. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?"

A much younger, and wiser pastor responded, "No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody."

I want to be like that! I want the Holy Spirit to be so active in my life that others will say, “That pastor Rick, he’s full of the Spirit!” And to be honest, we have a lot to do with the degree of the fullness of the Spirit of God in our lives.

Paul commanded, “Be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18). Yes, it is a Greek imperative (command), which indicates that being full of the Spirit is something we do. I suggest that His fullness in us is in direct proportion of our true desire to let Him control our lives. One of my seminary professors was fond of saying, “The reality of the Spirit-filled life is this: You have as much of God as you truly want”

So, how about it — do you desire a more profound, vital relationship with the Lord? I do! Let’s seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him together, shall we? Here’s the goal: Allow the Holy Spirit to monopolize your life. If we do, we’ll be empowered to do what He has called, and equipped, and assigned us to do.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13