Pride Impedes the Holy Spirit from Coming

Saul, before becoming the great Apostle Paul, was a very proud man because he was well-educated. He had a hard time believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

But after his encounter with God, he considered these things as loss for Christ and rubbish (Philippians 3:8). The Lord Jesus Christ became more important to him than anything else.

Time in church alone does not guarantee receiving the Holy Spirit. A person may be in church for 10 years and still not have received the Holy Spirit because of pride—being proud of their degrees, knowledge, and everything they know. Pride becomes a barrier, an obstacle, and a problem to the total transformation of a person.

As Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

To become like a child means being humble, willing to learn, and willing to believe. This lack of simplicity in faith creates a barrier between a person and the Holy Spirit.

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness.’” 1 Corinthians 3:18-19

We must remove human wisdom and replace it with the wisdom that comes from God. There is nothing wrong with going to university or having a degree. In fact, we need lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects, accountants, and teachers. But we must not let human knowledge cloud our faith. Faith cannot be fully understood through logic.

It is only through faith that we are led to God. Empty yourself so that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit.

And reflect on this question: What is hindering you from receiving the Holy Spirit?

Cleanse your heart and become like a blank sheet of paper so that God may come and write a new story in your life.