Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV)

I’m trying to cultivate (if you can do such a thing) the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life. I want more of Him and less of me. I’m reading and learning about the Holy Spirit by reading about Him, talking about Him, and trying to be sensitive to Him.

Not only do I want to be sensitive to Him, but one of the things I’m discovering is how sensitive He is. He is sensitive to how we live and react to His leading, His prompting, His convicting, and His teaching.

Do I respond with obedience or do I just brush Him off? Do I acknowledge that He is with me (in me!) as I go about my day or do I ignore Him or decide to let Him “out” once in a while like He is some kind of pet?

If I brush Him off or ignore His leading, I grieve Him. If I choose the things of this world system over the things of God, He is offended. James 5:4 says he jealously longs for more of us. And the verses at the top of the page indicate how we can further offend Him.

As I offend Him and grieve Him, he grows more quiet. As my heart hardens to His leading, I become oblivious to His voice and His leading, going my own way. And it’s a way that leads away from the very best that God has to offer.

I want the very best that God has for me. Since He is always working for my good, as Romans 8:28 says), I want as much of His presence in my life that’s possible. What does that require of me? Diligence. A heart that’s wide open. A heart quick to repent. A heart that desires the things of God above all else.

That’s what I desire. It’s not always how I act, but it still remains my one desire.

Psalm 27:4a NIV says…
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.