The function of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of its sin and guide believers to be more like Jesus. Believers in Jesus Christ have the Spirit of God dwelling within me. The Holy Spirit is always available and desires for us to seek him.
I did many things in my life that offended God. One of them was my drunkenness. Out of my drunkenness came blackouts, automobile accidents, the local drunk tank, loss of drivers license and divorce. I was bankrupt mentally, physically, and spiritually. Where was I to turn?
A friend brought me to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. This is the last place I wanted to be. I listened to the men talk and I decided to return. The more meetings I attended something began to stir inside of me. Then a door opened. AA opened the door for me to have a relationship with God. Shortly after that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
I grew up in a time when men did not ask for help, because it made them look weak or not capable of figuring out something on their own. It was tough for me to surrender. I realized for me to stay sober; I could not take that first drink. Turning from any kind of temptation made me stronger for the next time.
It was the same with the Holy Spirit. I came to accept that I am helpless, hopeless, and powerless without the Holy Spirit. Before, I could be helped with my alcoholism, I had to surrender to give up completely and follow the suggestions that were provided. It is the same with the Holy Spirit. If I do not completely surrender, I am not really in a position to be helped. If not completely surrendering, I am fighting against the Holy Spirit. I will not get anywhere.
In John 16:13 Jesus says, “But when he the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. He does not force us to follow him into the truth. It is our decision.
The Holy Spirit will lead us along the path of righteousness. Galatians 5:16 Paul writes, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” The Spirit and the flesh are in contrast to each other. If we have any doubt of what we should do or say, the Holy Spirit is here to guide us.
When I first accepted Jesus, I thought that I could beat back any temptation and sin that entered my mind. And when I did sin, I would get angry. I would ask myself what happened? I thought I was supposed to be free from sin. I learned that Jesus liberated me from my sins, and I must cooperate with what he has done for me. The Holy Spirit would convict me of my sin. When I sinned, I was to ask forgiveness and repent from my iniquity.
When I sin, I disobey God. I am satisfying my own fleshly desires. That sin nature is still within me. Surrendering is a lifetime process. Following the lead of the Holy Spirit is the protection that God has given us. Surrounded by the protection of the Holy Spirit we can lead a life that benefits us, those around us and pleasing to God.
The Holy Spirit is our counselor, comforter, and protector. He never sleeps. He is always available to help us. Following the promptings of the Holy Spirit will take us down the road of righteousness and closer to being what the Lord wants us to be. To be like His Son Jesus. That is why we follow the Hoy Spirit.