We wrote a book explaining how Christians have an advantage in whatever they do. What we have learned, too many Christians feel unworthy to accept additional responsibility in the workplace or in the home. Too many become Christians and believe they do not have to study Scripture or pray, they can do it on their own. They end up no more than just a professing Christian without the power from God, struggling each day and wondering why living a Christian life is so difficult. They wonder where is this joy, peace and love the Bible talks about? They have not yet learned that they have not accepted the fact that God has placed His Spirit in their lives to help them become successful. They must understand that the Bible says we must surrender our old nature and let the new nature control. It is the new nature that allows us to submit control of our lives to Christ. The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to make us a better person. He also is in the world to convict people of their sins and suggest that they accept Christ as their Savior.

We must learn that God will not force Himself onto us. For the Holy Spirit to work, He must control but only with our permission. Are you ready to give up control so you can “walk in the Spirit”? Many Christians find that they are unwilling to give up their control. However, we must make the Holy Spirit a vital part of our lives. If we will allow, He will teach us the truth, He will testify about Christ, He will assure our relationship to God and guarantee we are saved. John 16:13 & 14 – “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. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” Romans 8:14 & 15 – “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to son-ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

As a believer we are an heir of God. Why do so many of us seem to have such poor self-images? Why do so many of us act negatively. Is it because we are listening to the wrong spirit? We are told that we have been given the highest privilege in the universe. God tells us we are His family and we have His mercy. Is it that we are not aware of what the Bible says; we do not understand or just cannot trust God’s promises?

If we develop a relationship with God and Christ, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us in prayer. If we live in submission and obedience to the Holy Spirit He will give us wise council to follow. Can you see why Christians can have an edge in what they do? Yet, we must not allow the devil to “hack” into our spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to program our mind and spirit. If we do, we will be determined to live for God.

God gives us talents and often huge opportunities. Talents are sometimes missed or fear causes us to not use our God given talents. The devil will often deceive us into believing we are unworthy to obtain success. The Holy Spirit will continually inspire us to take advantage of what God has planned for us. There are times when God will allow us to fail that we might gain experience. He has something greater planned ahead. Many successful people have failed and were bankrupt only to end up running large companies and being a success. The Holy Spirit will encourage us to always keep trying and never give up.

Peter tells us the Holy Spirit wants to help us and that another spirit, the devil, wants to destroy us. How many of us are aware that thoughts come to us from two differing spirits? How easily can we be deceived when we cannot distinguish between the Holy Spirit and our worldly spirit putting thoughts into our mind? Are we conscious of the warning that we read in I Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” My NIV study Bible states: “Watch out for Satan when we are suffering or weak, when we are feeling alone, helpless or focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for danger. We are then especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and resist the devil.”

There are three hindrances to living a holy life. One problem is our carnal nature or the flesh that has lusts and sinful urges. We can be tempted by the ways of the world because everyone is doing it. The third problem we are faced with is the tempting that comes from the devil. If we have turned our lives over to the Holy Spirit, who equips us to live a Christ-like life, we can reject all three problems that our lives must deal with. It is when a Christian tries to live life on their own that they have a greater chance of yielding.

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Again, we must be reminded the importance of who is in control of our lives. Have you had a check up lately? Are you asking daily for Holy Spirit’s guidance or are you still in control? Don’t expect that special edge to be there if we have not yet surrendered.

No matter how frustrating and difficult life seems we must realize that God will see us through it. I Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Do we expect life to be free of all difficulties? If we never faced serious problems who would we depend upon: God or ourselves? That I believe is our major problem. We depend on ourselves too often and God is allowing problems to exist in order to teach us to rely upon Him.
YOU WILL NOT BE RAPTURED WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU!