Spirit in the Sky: Understanding the Influence of the Holy Spirit

How Do You Know When the Spirit is Working?

Our show tonight is called "Spirit in the Sky." How do you know if the spirit is working in your life? How do you know when it's talking, speaking, or having an influence upon you? Interestingly, some people say that it's emotional, while others claim it's physical, and they can feel the spirit. Some say it's a still, small voice, a concept taken from the Old Testament, while others feel a fire burning within them. There are also those who believe it's part of their senses or intelligence, or some say it's the Holy Spirit in their heart.

Different Interpretations Across Denominations

Denominations typically teach people how to interpret the Holy Spirit. If you were LDS, you might say that there's a fire or a burning in your bosom. Alternatively, you might hear a still, small voice. If you're a charismatic Christian, they say it's an emotive experience, expressed through an overwhelming sense to shout hallelujah and speak in tongues.

On the other hand, if you are perhaps a five-point Calvinist, you might be more cerebral and interpret the ideas you get while reading scripture as being attributed to the Holy Spirit. Some people say that when they feel loved, that's the Holy Spirit. What's interesting is that each denomination tries to capture and tell you how the Holy Spirit operates.

A Diverse Experience of the Holy Spirit

I don't think these interpretations are wrong. People responding to the Holy Spirit in their way is a language they can understand. There could be individuals who go to a charismatic church and witness behaviors that don't make sense to them. They may leave and go to another church, like the Mormon Church, where they're taught that the Holy Spirit is a still, small voice and a burning feeling.

If that doesn't resonate, they might go to a denomination that teaches that the Holy Spirit whispers about peace, love, forgiveness, and kindness—the fruit of the Spirit. There, they find a home and learn to hear the Holy Spirit. I'm not saying Pentecostals, Mormons, Catholics, Baptists, or cerebral people are wrong. I believe God is big enough to bring the Holy Spirit experience to everyone in different ways.

God’s Diverse Language of the Spirit

Denominations may not like this diversity. Some insist that if you don't speak in tongues when you're baptized, you haven't received the Holy Spirit. In such cases, many start speaking in tongues after coming out of the water. But I don't think any one denomination has a corner on how the Holy Spirit works. Those genuinely trying to reach people and help them understand the Holy Spirit suggest a multiplicity of approaches. They are like languages: God allows us to speak in French, Italian, German, English, Portuguese, Chinese, and so on.

We religionists often want to dictate a specific experience of the Holy Spirit. However, if God allows us to have diverse languages, I believe He wouldn't relegate the Holy Spirit to only one type of manifestation. I hope this perspective helps you as you meet people, whether they are dogmatic about their views or open to considering the Holy Spirit in different ways.

Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit

When seeking spiritual guidance, it's important to discern which way God communicates with you. Each person may experience this communication differently, yet there is a common thread that should always be present: the fruit of the Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, patience, and long-suffering. These are indicative characteristics that align with spiritual well-being and divine connection.

Warning Against Negative Influences

If you encounter teachings—whether from a pastor, church, or denomination—that suggest the Holy Spirit fills you with hate, anger, impatience, or intemperance, you should be cautious. Scripture indicates that such teachings are likely misguided and do not reflect the essence of spiritual truth.

Evaluating Spiritual Guidance

It is not an unrestricted journey where every path is acceptable. However, if your spiritual learning and experiences align with the fruit of the Spirit, you can feel confident that you are on a path that is pleasing to God. In whatever way you learn or resonate with spiritual teachings, maintaining these principles as your guide is crucial.