Being Clothed With the Spirit
1 Chronicles 12:18 “Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the captain”
In the original language, the word “clothed” is used instead of “came upon”. As I read this, I saw this picture of a coat being put on-a coat that covered head to foot because it was very long and hooded. I thought of how it would feel to be clothed in such a garment. Then I thought of that garment as the Holy Spirit of GOD and what a blessing that would be. It would protect from all earthly and worldly elements; it would insulate me against exposure to worldly influences and would keep me unstained from sin. Sin could not “get through” my protective Holy Spirit coat.
Scripture says, however, that since Jesus, the Spirit now actually lives, abides, resides, and dwells, within believers as opposed to simply coming upon them and covering them. This new way is a much more invasive positioning. Scripture further makes it clear that this positional condition of the Spirit as He lives in believers is a permanent one-a forever dwelling!
The truth of the matter is that two things dwell within me-the Holy Spirit and my own human nature!! Scripture goes on to say it is what comes from within a person that defiles a person, not what is on the outside.
If that is true, it sounds like the perfect combination for internal spiritual battles to be taking place inside me between the two opposing forces living there! Having the Holy Spirit residing within takes on new importance this side of heaven because of the fact that my human nature also lives there! Being clothed by the Holy Spirit is a wonderful thing, but being indwelt by the Holy Spirit is something so much more wonderful as it is the only power we have to win the battle within!
I am faced then with a daily decision and so are you. Who will dictate and control me? Will it be my human nature or the Holy Spirit-both of whom dwell within me? Today, this moment, I choose to yield my members to the Holy Spirit and I pray God for the strength to do the same in the next moment!
