I feel that it is only right that I share this warning with those passionately wanting to move with the Holy Spirit. Having this passion isn’t for the faint of heart. While so, so, so many believers will rally and walk alongside you in this New Testament pursuit of the Holy Spirit, there will be those who, because of tradition and/or denominational dogmas, will misunderstand and criticize your heart and actions. In fact, let me be even bolder in this warning. You may be the recipient of much disdain and scorn.
These reactions aren’t new. Consider these examples.
Acts 4:1-3 (King James Version) “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.”
Other translations paint a more telling picture of the resentment for those flowing with the Holy Spirit. The church leaders were:
(Amplified Bible) extremely disturbed
(Amplified Bible Classic) vexed and indignant
(Bible in Basic English) greatly troubled
(Clarence Jordan Translation) plenty mad
(God’s Word Translation) greatly annoyed
(The Passion Translation) furious
(Weymouth Translation) highly incensed
Acts 5:17-18 (King James Version) “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”
The high priest and the Sadducees were:
(Amplified Bible) filled with jealousy and resentment
(Amplified Bible Classic) filled with jealousy and indignation and rage
(Bible in Basic English) full of envy
(Clarence Jordan Translation) blew their top
(Darby New Testament) filled with wrath
(New Living Translation) reacted with violent jealousy
(The Message Bible) provoked mightily
(The Passion Translation) became extremely jealous
So, what should your response be to those who oppose you flowing with the Holy Spirit?
* Don’t compromise. John Osteen (Joel’s father) said it best. “I don’t care whether it upsets my doctrine or not, I’m going to stay with the Bible no matter who it separates me from or who it identifies me with.” Overcoming Hindrances to Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Houston, TX: John Osteen Publication, 1987), 24.
* Walk in love. It is by our supernatural love walk (Romans 5:5) that people will know that we are truly Jesus’ followers. Understand that you can accomplish more through love than any debate or argument.
* Remember that you too once didn’t have a clear understanding of the Holy Spirit’s present-day ministry. Thankfully, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13) is the great eye-opener. Pray that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)
Following His plan with HolySpirit guidance has made my life so much better even though the struggles I have peace and praying in tongues brings me deeper , yeah some think I’m crazy I just pray for them