You probably remember school days getting ready to play a ball game. Captains were selected to choose teams. One by one names were called out until only one person was left. Being the last one picked really hurts.

Although I was (am?) a good athlete, since we moved so often when I was young (19 times in 15 years), people didn’t know me. As a result the new kid usually was the last one chosen. Probably all of us have felt that “left out” feeling.

Thinking about this week’s section of The Creed, it’s a good thing there is no competition or animosity in the Godhead. As we examined the Apostles Creed the past few weeks we have discussed the Father and the Son. Now we come to the third Person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit.

We looked at the Father and saw Him described as almighty and creator of heaven and earth. Our study of the Son listed no less than 11 aspects of His life. When we come to the Holy Spirit all that is stated is, “I believe in the Holy Spirit.”

Does this mean He is some how less important or has a minor role in human events? Is He a junior member of the Godhead having not quite earned His place at the table? Of course not! (I almost feel like a heretic even suggesting it.)The Holy Spirit is completely God with all the attributes and characteristics. He is equally omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent, and a full member of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit’s importance and impact are clearly evident all through the Bible and cannot be underestimated.

We see His work and presence woven throughout the sacred text. From beginning to end He is unmistakably seen. In Genesis He is moving over the surface of the waters (Gen. 1:2). In Revelation He, along with the Bride, is saying to Jesus “Come,” return quickly (Rev. 22:17).

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit indwelt people giving them supernatural ability and skill. After the need of His presence was complete He often left.

For king David He supplied insight to rule the Jewish nation. He infused God’s word into prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel so they could provide correction and direction. In Solomon He instilled wisdom and understanding unmatched in human history. Even Samson was empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish great feats, though he took it for granted an eventually lost it.

Starting in the book of Acts there was a change in how the Holy Spirit relates to believers. Now He indwells all who trust Christ as Savior not just kings, prophets and priests. And He never leaves.

What hasn’t changed though is that He still is here to supply insight, infuse an understanding of God’s word, instill wisdom and insight and empower us to accomplish things we never could on our own.

Looking at the Holy Spirit in our lives is not just a mere academic exercise. He is given to us, each one of us, so we might grow in the Lord, stand strong in Him and impact the world for Christ. He is there to help overcome the problems, difficulties and trials we face.

Do you struggle with conquering certain sinful habits in your life? If so, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16)

Do you need to control your thoughts or words, to be more loving, patient, or kind? Well, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . .” (Gal. 5:22, 23)

Do you want to understand the Bible better, to grasp its truths and apply them to your life? Jesus said, “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things . . .” (John 14:26)

Is there something you are wrestling with, seeking to know what decision or direction is right or wrong? Again Jesus said, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . .” (John 16:13)

Do you need strength to stand up to a situation that is impossible for you to handle? Once more Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.” (John 14:12)

The value and impact of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives cannot be overstated.

If you have accepted Christ as your Savior then you have the Holy Spirit in you. (Rom. 8:9) All His power, all His wisdom, all His understanding is there and He is waiting to endow you with it. All this, however, is of no avail if we don’t allow Him to do His work.

In I Thessalonians 5:19 we are told, “Do not quench the Spirit.” Although He is all powerful, almighty God, we can stop the Him from doing His work in our lives.

We all have the Holy Spirit. The question is does He have all of me?

Each of us has to ask ourselves, “Have I yielded every area of my life to Him or am I holding some back? In what ways am I quenching Him, stifling His work, not listening to His voice, not yielding to His leading?”

As you honestly ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you areas He is being quenched, places you haven’t yielded, He will show them to you. But be ready. Because He loves you and only wants what is best for you, He will undoubtedly reveal areas you will struggle giving up to Him. Areas that may be deeply entrenched or ones in the flesh you will want to hang on to.

I know. As I have worked on this Blog this week He has worked on my heart to show a couple things I need to let go. Certain hopes I have clung to that He has let me know are holding me back.

I realize it is best to give them up. I know He only has my best interest at heart. It’s still hard.

Giving it up is an act of the will. I must do it whether I feel like it or not. It also is an act of faith that He will work things out for the best for me. But it’s still hard.

As you think about the Holy Spirit this week, His work in your life, areas you may have quenched Him or need to yield to Him, I pray you will have the strength to accept what He shows you and choose to obey Him.

And by the way, the strength to accomplish this also comes from Him so it can be done!
Mark