When we think about the Spirit that lives within us, it’s helpful to think of it as our own spiritual light. One that starts as a small wick and grows stronger and brighter the more we learn about our Lord and obey His commands. 2 Timothy 1:6 exhorts us to,
fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Implied in this instruction is the reminder that a flame untended will eventually burn out. How many of us neglect to fan our flame and let our light dim? We may believe we are leading a life of light and faith, but are we really?
If we study Scripture, we realize that blatant sin isn’t the only way to quench the Spirit of God. We can also do this through neglect.
What does it mean to quench?
The word “quenched” as used in the Bible can mean various things. As we discussed last week, the word “quench” literally means to extinguish, but it can also means to stifle, to hinder, or obscure. In Mark 9:48 it is used to describe putting out a fire and again in Matthew 25:8, for putting out a lamp. In other texts, it is used to describe hell. So when we read words, “Quench not the Spirit” in I Thessalonians 5:19, what is the apostle Paul really saying?
Well, let’s look at Paul’s story.
The Power of the Light
Regardless of what came later, the Apostle Paul was initially known as Saul the Destroyer. In Acts 9:1-2 we see that, “Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” Yet just a few short verses later, we see the power of the light of God as
“…suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He [Saul] fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’”
We know the rest of the story. Saul transformed into the disciple Paul and was instrumental in the spread of the Gospel…the Light…to the Gentiles.
Well, God has not changed. Nor has the power of the Light of Jesus Christ diminished. We all have this same capacity as the Apostle Paul to be used by God for a greater purpose.
How do we quench our Spirit?
Although we read the Bible and we know the stories, too many of us have absolutely no idea whether we are walking in the light of the Spirit. We assume, we think, we hope that we are walking the path set for us by God. However, quietly walking the path without pushing our limits is a spiritually passive activity. God did not command us to quietly walk through life leaving nothing touched or changed. We must push the limits through listening and radical obedience to the Spirit’s leading.
How can we become more like Paul?
Just like a literal dying flame you can fan the flames and help them burn strong again. Each of us has an opportunity in the Kingdom of God. If we will listen as the Spirit quietly implores us we will begin to see our truer purpose. Now is the time to recognize our God-given responsibility to work as Jesus did, walking as He walked and sharing His message. It is our responsibility to ensure that our light burns bright.
