We have learned that the Holy Spirit can lead us through a still small voice (rare), desires of our heart, and the Word of God. The Word of God is the common and general mode for us as believers.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The Holy Spirit does not just want to live in our spirit but also occupy our minds and bodies to influence us in every sphere of our lives. The believer’s life is transformed with ever-increasing glory exactly as the Spirit of God inside us (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV, KJV).
The Holy Spirit’s influence in every aspect of our lives, include:
Family: By following the Holy Spirit, we can make Spirit-led decisions that bring peace and joy (Galatians 5:16). Under the influence of the Holy Spirit founded on His Word, our families align with God’s will which is unique for each family. We can avert disasters which come from making decisions based on circumstances or convenience (Ruth 1:1-5).
Finances: The Holy Spirit acts as our ultimate financial planner, helping us use resources wisely thereby discerning seed and bread (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We can enjoy the peace of God under the influence of the Holy Spirit when we cast our cares on Him and let Him lead as the owner of our finances.
Feelings: We should recognize emotions as pointing to a cause or calling attention to something but not let them control us. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we can make Spirit led decisions ruled by peace and clarity (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:6-7). Part of spiritual maturity is that we have reached a place where our feelings or emotions are kept at bay. It is recognising feelings as indicators and not the director for our lives (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Ministry: Ministry is not what we do for God but who we allow God to be in and through us by the directive of the Holy Spirit. It means that we minister at the best capacity and excellence under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We must rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our ministerial work rather than our past experiences or gifts. The law of the Spirit that brings life leads us effectively in ministerial duties (Romans 8:1-2) Our call in ministry is progressive and therefore we will continue to discover the giftings and calling of God within us as we allow His leading in our lives like Paul (Galatians 1:15-17, Acts 13:1-3).
Relationships: God is so intentional about relationships. God in relationship created relationships (Genesis 1:26-28). The Holy Spirit helps us navigate relationships, discerning who to invest in and how to nurture them (Colossians 3:12-13). We are to do good to all (Galatians 6:9), be liberal givers but also in every relationship, we want to know the mind of the Spirit for every person – who to invest in, who we allow to invest into us. The Holy Spirit spoke that Paul and Barnabas were to be set apart for the work assigned to them. That was a strategic influence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13).
Career/Business: Following the Holy Spirit can lead us into unfamiliar but fruitful career paths, ultimately for God’s glory (Genesis 26). We don’t have to follow the status quo or rely on our experience to make career or business decisions. Even in the most unpalatable circumstances, the Holy Spirit’s influence will lead us in the giftings placed in us to kingly places (Genesis 41).
Conclusion: Allowing the Holy Spirit’s influence and following His leading in all areas of our lives brings ever-increasing glory and fruitfulness.
