“Choking Out” the Holy Spirit
By Karen D’Amore
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:19
As a police officer, I was entrusted with enormous power; the power to direct and re-direct lives, save lives and, if necessary, take lives. As a rookie officer, the execution of that power in a particular incident impacted me in an unforgettable way. When minimal levels of force failed to subdue a physically combative prisoner, it became necessary to escalate the level of force and administer the Carotid Restraint, commonly referred to as a “choke hold.”By Karen D’Amore
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:19
By compressing the carotid arteries between the forearm and bicep, blood flow to the brain is restricted, rendering a person temporarily unconscious. Watching my prisoner flop around on the ground before slipping into brief unconsciousness, scared me to death! Witnessing the magnitude of my power played out before me, etching my mind with indelible memories. Recognizing the potentially lethal consequences if executed improperly, I never utilized the “choke hold” again.
As Christ-followers, we are also entrusted with enormous power…the power of the Holy Spirit. His power directs and re-directs us on the path to ever increasing holiness. The Spirit empowers us with wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and the desire to fear and worship God. When we quench the Spirit, we render ourselves spiritually unconscious. The “choke hold” provides a visual analogy of what it looks like to quench the Spirit. Restricting blood flow to the brain resulting in unconsciousness, quenching the Spirit restricts the power supply necessary for the believer to live as “new creations in Christ.”
When we fail to obey that which the Spirit commands, wills or leads…we quench the Spirit. When we ignore the Spirit’s presence in our lives, refusing to invite, acknowledge or accept His help, we also quench the Spirit. Anything that moves God out of first place and comes between us and Him quenches the Spirit. And when we quench the Spirit, “choking out” His power, His work in and through us comes to a halt.
The Holy Spirit never leaves us; however, we have the power to inhibit His power through disobedience. Check your spiritual pulse and guard against slipping into unconsciousness!!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Quenching the Spirit refers to sins of omission. Are you saying “yes” to God?
2. Are you seeking solutions apart from God’s leading? How can you realign yourself with His leading?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13; John 14:26; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:26-28
Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue Salon & Spa, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.
