5 Ways I Ignore the Holy Spirit

And to expose our hearts to truth and consistently refuse to obey the impulses it arouses is to stymie the motions of life within us and, if persisted in, to grieve the Holy Spirit into silence. - A.W. Tozer

Tozer makes a bold statement here, one in which lands like a knockout blow to the side of my head.

We can expose our self to truth and read scripture everyday but fail to obey the impulses that rise from these truths. The Apostle Paul said that when we are convinced of the truth we can't help but be compelled to live in a certain way (2 Cor 5:14-15). When we "refuse to obey the impulses" there is a major disconnect in our lives. We have faith but lack action (James 2:17). But is that really faith at all? Are we convinced of the truth?

There are several ways in my life were I refuse to obey the impulses that are aroused within me. In doing so I am in danger of grieving the Holy Spirit into silence. Here are 5 ways that we all can ignore the Holy Spirit:

1. Refusing to pray - there are several times during my conversations with others were I feel the impulse to pray for them. The impulse is not just to tell them I am going to pray for them, but to actually pray for them right then and there. I feel this impulse but force it back to silence. Whenever I do obey the impulse to pray for someone it always results in a powerful and fruitful time.
2. Refusing to encourage - many times I find myself trying to "one-up" someone else's story with a story about myself. I feel the impulse to encourage them but often end up blowing it by shattering their story by trying to make myself look better. When I do respond in humility, I find that encouraging the other person gives them life and it strengthens the relationship.
3. Refusing to give - this is not limited to giving of money, but also includes giving of my time. When someone extends an invitation, I am often selfish in my response. I would prefer to stay home and be complacent. However, every time I engage in community I am never dissatisfied.
4. Refusing grace - people have a tendency to be critical of others. I am no different and this typically manifests itself on the highway, at restaurants, and I am ashamed to say, in my marriage. We can all be quick to criticize and slow to extend grace. The Spirit is always counseling us to point out evidences of grace and when we do amazing things happen in our lives.
5. Refusing to serve - Jesus came to serve, not to be served. A common theme in our culture is "what have you done for me lately?" I believe in a gospel that is based on humility and sacrifice, but humility and sacrifice are far from being my first reactions. I often ignore the impulse to be humble and serve others when I have my mind entangled in worldly things.

We must identify these areas of disconnect in our lives. But our focus shouldn't be on working harder to perform better in these areas. That focus might actually have a worse result. However, our focus should be on being convinced of what Jesus has already done. Growth in these areas will not happen by behaving better, but by believing better.

In order to have an action packed faith you must have a faith packed faith. We must be convinced of what Jesus has already done and claim that for ourselves. Jesus is the compelling convincer. That is the gospel, and that is what will empower and equip you to answer the impulses with action instead of refusal.

What ways have you ignored the Holy Spirit?


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