Danger ahead…MLMs
As we discussed last week, myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the life and spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers. This is especially true as it relates to the Holy Spirit.
Top MLMs about the Holy Spirit
Though not exhaustive, here are my top MLMs concerning the Holy Spirit. The source of this list are frequent questions I have received concerning the third person of the Trinity.
Myth: “The Holy Spirit is for Super Christians. He is not for everyone.”
Unfortunately, this myth has been around for quite some time due to religious and denominational differences. The devastating result of this myth is that people question whether they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. In addition, this myth gives the perception that Christians receive the Holy Spirit based on their merit.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, Jesus gifts us with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:14). While we can’t control the Holy Spirit, we can, however, hinder His work. We can quench the Holy Spirit by refusing His guidance or grieve Him by continuing to do sinful acts.
As we surrender our will to God’s will, we will receive greater filling by the Spirit. “Filling” means we empty ourselves of self and make room for MORE of HIM. This results in the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and conforming to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).
Lie: “The Holy Spirit is actually our inner spirit guiding us on the path to our true purpose and destiny.”
It’s a path alright. A path to nowhere. This is perhaps the most egregious lie designed by the devil. It denies the reality of God. Satan’s MO is to always have man look to himself as the primary source of power and control. This is a “self-directed” belief (lie) that keeps people from coming to the “glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4).
This strategy of Satan is intended to keep us bound, broken, and discouraged. We fail to reach God’s designed purpose for our lives. Why? Because we attempt to do what only God can do through His Holy Spirit in us (John 15:5; Eph. 3:20).
Misunderstanding: “The Holy Spirit is like an angel that God sends to help people.”
This belief reflects a lack of understanding of who God is and the work of the Trinity. First and foremost, God is one God with three distinct, eternal, coexistent persons. God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1). Jesus, who is God’s only begotten Son is also God. And finally, the Holy Spirit, who is God’s Spirit is also God.
Regarding these three manifestations of our one, God, we must recognize their distinctions, but not separate them from one another. We will never understand all that God wants us to know about him without having full knowledge of each representation of him. [1]
Without a correct knowledge of God, we risk “being tossed to and fro by every wind of new teaching and influence, when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). The best approach to deal with MLMs is to know the truth. Be alert to myths, lies, and misunderstandings that threaten our walk of faith.
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including books to help you in your spiritual journey
to draw closer to the Holy Spirit.
[1] Lead Me, Holy Spirit: Longing to Hear the Voice of God, Stormie Omartian