It’s very easy to quench the Spirit. We do it by despising the discipline of the Lord and by losing heart when he rebukes us. If we have a shallow experience of salvation and sanctification, we mistake the shadow for the reality when God disciplines us. We say, “Oh, that must be the voice of the devil.”
Never quench the Spirit, and do not despise him when he says to you, “Do not be blind about this thing anymore. You aren’t where you thought you were. Up until now I haven’t been able to reveal it to you, but I reveal it now.” When the Spirit disciplines you like this, let him have his way. Let him get you rightly related to God.
“Do not lose heart when he rebukes you.” We get into a bad mood with God and say, “Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed about it, and it still didn’t turn out right. I’m through trying.” Think what would happen if we took this attitude about anything else in life!
Am I prepared to let God grip me by his power and do a work in me that is worthy of him? Sanctification isn’t my idea of what I want God to do for me; it’s God’s idea of what he wants to do for me. God has to bring me to the attitude of mind and spirit where I will let him sanctify me wholly, no matter the cost.
