DO YOU LEAK ?
By W. G. Guy
Many years ago I heard a preacher say. “those that have been filled with the Holy Spirit leak out”. He was referring to people that no longer seem to walk in the anointing of the Spirit, or are no longer manifesting the Holy Spirit in their lives. Thus they need to be “re-filled”. But do we really leak out of the Holy Spirit; or is it something else that causes spirit filled people to no longer manifest His divine presence and witnessing power in their lives?
2 John 2:27 – But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
This anointing, or filling of the Spirit, that began at Pentecost and continues for those who receive it, equips us with what God wants to have of Him through Christ. To be filled by the Holy Spirit is not something that has to be repeated frequently. However, the manifestation of His presence can show itself on occasions when believers gather in unity of purpose, to pray and worship.
Acts 4:31 – And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Once you have received this marvelous gift, it is yours. The problem is obviously that people focus their attention on other things; worldly things; carnal things; concerns with daily living; and everyday problems. It is so easy to become distracted in this life because of the world, and the enemy of our faith, provide a multitude of distractions to woo us away from what God has provided to get you to focus your attention elsewhere.
Jesus spoke of such distractions:
Matthew 13:22 – He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
This is especially true as we approach the very last days prior to Christ’s return.
Luke 21:34 – And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Such distractions draw our attention away from the Love of God, the Word of God, as well as our daily time of intimate fellowship with Him: communing in the Spirit and building up your spiritual being. Reducing this intimate fellowship with Him causes double-mindedness, thinking in worldly terms while trying to live according to the Word and promises of God. Thus we experience compromise which is double-mindedness, and also contributes to becoming lukewarm in your faith. Thus the indication that you have “leaked” out of the gift that God has given you.
2 Corinthians 4:16 – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
The inward man is renewed by maintaining intimacy in fellowship with the LORD by daily being in prayer and in His Word. Then there is no leaking but a steady flow of strength of His Spirit into your spirit which builds you up in the LORD. This flow of the Spirit is the fuel that keeps the light burning. This fuel is referred to as the oil of the Holy Spirit. Why is the Holy Spirit often referred to as oil? This is because oil is used for the purpose of anointing, dedicating or consecrating.
Exodus 29:7 – Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
When the power of the Holy Spirit manifests on a person it is said that they are anointed. Thus the Holy Spirit is the spiritual oil, the fuel that keeps the flames burning and the light lit. When the light goes out you become a lukewarm Christian, which makes Jesus sick and want to vomit you out – (Rev, 3:16).
Too many believers have let that light go out as Jesus illustrated with the ten virgins:
Matthew 25:1-12 – Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
No oil = no light; no Holy Spirit = no anointing; no anointing = no power! Thus it is not a matter of “leaking”: it is a matter of not accessing what God has provided and maintaining it. This is spiritual neglect!
The true work of the ministers of the LORD Jesus is to continually strengthen and encourage you to be built up spiritually, and not allow yourself to “leak”, or neglect that which God has provided to you.
Jude 1:17-21 – But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
