Who’s in Charge?
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22–25
Evangelist D. L. Moody was one of the most famous preachers in the world during his lifetime. His conferences in Chicago and Northfield, Massachusetts, drew guests from many nations. Moody was known for having God’s power on his ministry, and it made an impact on those who heard him. But many did not understand how the process worked. It is said that at one conference Moody was approached by a pastor who said, “I have come a hundred miles to get some of Moody’s spirit.” Moody replied, “You don’t want my spirit. What you need is the Spirit of God.”
Every day, we as Christians face the choice of who is going to be in charge of our lives. We can live, work, and act in our own strength and wisdom, or we can walk under the control of the Holy Spirit of God. When we insist on going our own way, we should not be surprised by the negative consequences that follow. God will not share control. He is the Lord and King, and He demands what He deserves—total surrender of our lives. The Christians who accomplish great things for Him do not do it on their own; they rely on His power and follow His leading. The Holy Spirit is given to every child of God, not to be an observer, but to direct our steps. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).
Galatians 5:22–25
Evangelist D. L. Moody was one of the most famous preachers in the world during his lifetime. His conferences in Chicago and Northfield, Massachusetts, drew guests from many nations. Moody was known for having God’s power on his ministry, and it made an impact on those who heard him. But many did not understand how the process worked. It is said that at one conference Moody was approached by a pastor who said, “I have come a hundred miles to get some of Moody’s spirit.” Moody replied, “You don’t want my spirit. What you need is the Spirit of God.”
Every day, we as Christians face the choice of who is going to be in charge of our lives. We can live, work, and act in our own strength and wisdom, or we can walk under the control of the Holy Spirit of God. When we insist on going our own way, we should not be surprised by the negative consequences that follow. God will not share control. He is the Lord and King, and He demands what He deserves—total surrender of our lives. The Christians who accomplish great things for Him do not do it on their own; they rely on His power and follow His leading. The Holy Spirit is given to every child of God, not to be an observer, but to direct our steps. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).
Today’s Growth Principle:
The devil destroys many Christians who refuse to yield control of their lives to the Holy Spirit.
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