First Thessalonians 5:19 introduces Christians to the idea of quenching the Holy Spirit.
The verse literally says “Do not quench the Spirit” in the NIV and “Quench not the Spirit” in the KJV. Yet a common question is what quenches the Spirit and how do you know you are doing it?
To understand the meaning behind the verse and the admonition, we must recognize the role of the Holy Spirit. It’s His job is to keep us aligned with the work and path that God has for us.
Simple Disobedience
In its’ simplest essence, quenching the Spirit is disobedience. If God has directed us in any way and we fail to do what He commands, we are quenching the Spirit. Do this often enough and we can get to the point where we are unable to hear the still, small voice of God through the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, we are all given work to do to advance the kingdom of God. We receive gifts and talents we are to use for His glory. One of the Holy Spirit’s job is to help us identify these gifts and to use them. When we disobey a calling from the Spirit, we are quenching His work in us. It may be failing to volunteer to help out in church when you feel that tug on your heart to say yes. It may mean ignoring the urge to work in a local prison group or find someone to mentor even though you often feel as if you should.
Another role of the Holy Spirit job is to bring areas where we can serve to our attention. Look around. There are so many areas of service and we are given the opportunity to do so many things in God’s name, and it can be difficult to distinguish where God has really called us.
Yet if we are open, the Holy Spirit will lead.
We may develop compassion for drug addicts or have the thought that we could help out when someone is talking about victims of trafficking or refugees.
Yet one way we commonly quench the Spirit is by ignoring these prompts and doing nothing. As we continue to say “no,” we will hear the Spirit less. He will move on to someone else who is willing.
You see, God is all-powerful and His work will be done.
We are the ones that lose out on the blessing when we fail to be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s call on our lives.
How to Turn It Around
If you know of an instance when you were disobedient to the Spirit, you need to ask for forgiveness. Then, you must ask God to help you be more aware when He is calling you into a task. Realize that all Christians are called to serve, so you should be looking for the place God has for you.
The question is not if but where.
For those who are visual learners, think of it this way. The Holy Spirit is compared to a fire that lives within us. When you quench him through disobedience, you are putting water on that fire. If you want that fire to consume your life and to serve God in a way that will make a difference, you must be still, pay attention, listen and obey.
