The Holy Spirit

He Is Not Wind, Fire Or A White Dove. Jesus knew this. He taught us, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever,” (John 14:16). He is not an “it.” He is…“Him.” You see, the pictures, metaphors and emblems used in the Bible can easily be misinterpreted and distorted. He is a Person, not merely a presence. He is a Person who has a presence, an atmosphere emanating from Him. I think the word “Spirit” confuses many. “Oh, she has such a wonderful spirit about her!” said a minister’s wife to me. She was referring to the attitude of another lady. “Oh, I love the spirit in this church!” This kind of statement refers to the atmosphere and climate existing in a building. But, The Holy Spirit is not an attitude, atmosphere or environment. He is a Person who talks, thinks, plans and is incredibly brilliant and articulate. He is the voice of the Godhead to us. Read John 16:13, “He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak.” A presence or an atmosphere does not talk! A person speaks. A presence or an atmosphere does not have a will, a mind, or a plan. Thoughts have presence. Animals generate a presence. But, The Holy Spirit is much more than a presence. You see, aroma is not really the food. The stink is not the skunk! The bark is not the dog. The quack is not the duck. His presence is evidence of His Person. Few people know this. That’s why they never discuss their problems with Him. Most believe that He is a silent cloud or wind receiving assignments to different buildings or people. Jesus recognized Him as a mentor. “He shall teach you all things,” (John 14:26). He is not merely a fog. He is not merely a wind. He is not merely fire. He is not merely rain.