Inaction Is Just As Much a Sin As Wrong Action

The Bible mentions 2 separate categories of sin in the Bible: 1. Grieving the Spirit (doing what we should not do) (Ephesians 4:30) & Quenching the Spirit (not doing what we should do) (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

For me, I find myself mainly focusing on what NOT to do & tend to “justify away” my inaction in various ways.

I often, (arrogantly, I might add), try to logic my way around what God directs me to do via His Holy Spirit. In other words, I feel His nudge on my heart & think my way out of doing it versus just trusting God knows what He’s doing better than I do–that is me quenching the Spirit.

When We Say “No” to God

Do you feel God nudging you to serve somewhere in church or your neighborhood, but the idea intimidates you & so you avoid it?

Do you feel God wants you to befriend someone, but you feel uncertain of how they might respond & your insecurity keeps you at a distance?

Do you feel God nudging you to share your testimony, but you’re afraid of judgement?

I could go on & on with examples similar to these that have halted me in my tracks, where I didn’t do what God asked of me because of fear, timidity, anxiety, insecurity, feeling insufficient, etc.

These, as I understand it, are exampled of me quenching the Spirit of God, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:19—“Do not quench the Spirit.”

Wrapped in Excuses

There is a similar, yet different command in the Bible, found in Ephesians 4:30, commanding us against GRIEVING the Spirit. This command is something I find myself talking about more often, because it is the command to AVOID doing what God says to AVOID doing, plain & simple (yet, often not simple to accomplish).

But QUENCHING the Spirit is much more subtle. Sometimes God’s leadings are not expressly mentioned in the Bible, but rather are nudges from the Holy Spirit. And usually, it can completely go against logic or human wisdom, making it easier to find loopholes & avoid altogether, wrapped up in words like: insecurity, anxiety, feeling unsure of what to do or say, recognizing a personal weakness we feel prevents our ability to do it, etc.

But our weaknesses can never thwart God’s plan (Ephesians 3:20-21). He enables us where we lack (1 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Holy Spirit Has Been Sent As Our Help

God promised to send us the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), upon Jesus’ resurrection from the cross & into Heaven on His throne. The Holy Spirit convicts us to avoid doing those things God tells us not to do.

But the Holy Spirit also leads. He directs & guides us, especially as we pray for God’s wisdom & direction in a specific area–It’s just not always so easy to follow His lead–especially when His lead doesn’t seem to make sense to us.

God’s Nudges

Since I had been a Christian since I was 5, I have had the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life from a very young age, although I didn’t always recognize His nudges as from Him until my discernment & understanding grew as I grew closer to God.

Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life, I would feel nudges to or away from things sometimes, creating an opportunity for me to choose my way or His way.

I Didn’t Listen

When I fell in love in my early twenties, the Holy Spirit gave me such a nudge after I prayed about the future of the relationship.

I was so sure I would marry that guy because of how much I cared for Him, but God kept nudging me to obey His lead & walk away–that God had a different path for me & him.

Well, I chose not to. I kept fighting it. I was sure maybe those nudges just meant “not right now,” so I kept holding on. I dragged this guy I cared about through the mud in the process because I refused to trust God’s lead.

That was me quenching the Spirit.

God Knows What He’s Doing Better Than We Do

I had asked for God’s guidance & when His answer didn’t match the one I desired, I ignored Him & pushed through, hurting myself & the person I so cared about along the way.

That guy was not a part of God’s future for me, & I was not a part of his. But I didn’t want to listen & we both paid the price for my stubborn refusal to follow God’s will.

I shared my story once before about my “first love”–read about it , here.

My Temper Tantrum

Another example came more recently. My husband asked if I wanted to eat out at a favorite restaurant—I am a SUCKER for eating out & immediately & excitedly agreed.

But, the back story to this is how I had recently discovered my addiction to eating out that God had been convicting me of in a new awareness of my problem.

I immediately felt God’s nudge on my heart to choose eating healthy leftovers at home versus going out.

Rearing up, I felt defensive & angry: “Great. Now You have brought this to my attention & does that mean I can NEVER have fun ever again by eating out?! I want to go out after a long day & enjoy a night out with my husband. Is that so bad?! Why are you guilting me & keeping me from having any fun!? Is this what I have to look forward to from now on?!” –I know… real mature temper tantrum, huh?

Humility Check–God Is Always Looking Out for Our Best

So, I stuffed His nudge deep down & determined it was no big deal & that this was “just this once more,” as I got dressed & ready to go out.

But something happened. For some odd reason-that was never explained-whether from a neighbor’s bbq or who knows… I smelled smoke.

And as soon as the smell hit my nose, I got a flash in my head (like seeing my life flash before my eyes) of my house on fire, with my kitty trapped inside… & my heart dropped.

I got it. I instantly understood the message… & I instantly saw how arrogant & untrusting I had been.

I had been fussing, whining, complaining, accusing God of trying to take all my fun away, but in that split second, I was humbled by the Truth: God NEVER tells me (or you) something that is not EXPRESSLY for my GOOD. EVER.

God Looks Out for Us

And while I complain about God’s so-called strict, fun-zapping, dictator-like control, God reminded me in that moment of His LOVE. He wasn’t trying to ruin my life by asking me to stay home… He was trying to lovingly protect me from myself & my addiction.

After remorseful, embarrassed, humbled tears, I shook my head & whispered in my heart, “God, I am SO sorry. I was so unkind & unfair to You. You know everything & I don’t. You know exactly what I need & I don’t (even though I often feel strongly that I do). Please forgive me for my arrogance. Forgive me for not trusting Your Goodness & Your love for me. Please, show me… was this scenario designed to teach me a lesson? Or do you really ask me to stay home tonight? I’ll do whatever You ask now. Thank You for guiding me even when I am rude to You. Thank You for Your persistent, faithful goodness. Thank You. AMEN.”

What Does It Mean to “Quench the Spirit”? Is It Sin?

So what does it mean to “quench the Spirit”? Is it sin? It means not trusting God’s leading & trusting our own logic or wisdom above His. And yes, it is a sin.

It may be scary. It may seem, in the moment, to be restrictive. It may make you feel insecure or insufficient for the task. But whatever God asks of you… DO IT. Do it & trust that HE can fill where you lack.

Hard doesn’t equal bad. Hard means we get to step back & watch Him work.

Trust God’s lead & follow it.

Trust Him to Help You Grow in This Area As You PRAY

And if you struggle here, as I so obviously do… PRAY about it. Ask God to help you see WHEN you’re doing it & to remind you to SEEK HIM for HELP when you would rather avoid.

Determine to obey anyway. Determine to trust His help. And do it.

I often don’t trust God’s plan & His lead, & as a result, my path is much more painful than God ever intended it to be… & yet still, every day in small ways, I ignore His little prompts as I run on autopilot through my routine. This should not be.

Ask God to wake you up. Ask Him to show you how to know it’s Him, to recognize His still, soft voice on your heart. Ask Him to help you relinquish what you THINK you know, for what He DOES know.

Shine hope—don’t quench the Spirit.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Long Chain Necklace (Silver-toned) (India)

Love long chain necklaces? This is the necklace for you! This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold.

Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!