“For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me…” Job 32:18
God wants us to live a life compelled by His Spirit. When the Spirit within us says yes, we are obliged to follow His lead. It may interfere with our comfort. It may cause us to say no to other good opportunities and it may require us to sacrifice. But because Christ compels us, we come alive to live for Him and to unselfishly serve others.
If it is to speak, then speak with grace and boldness. If it is to teach, then teach with accuracy and relevance. If it is to make deals, then make deals with those you trust and within your area of expertise. If it is to share the gospel, then share the gospel with love and acceptance. If it is to mentor others, then mentor others with humility and wisdom.
If it is to invest in your family, then invest in your family with energy and abandonment. Time is short—so do not waste it on projects and people that are not compelling to you. It may compel others, but not you. Go after those things that motivate you to excellence. You are compelled by the Spirit of God inside you to influence the world outside you.
“These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:9b-10).
A compelling life compels others. Your compelling life lifts others out of their apathy and hesitation. You are a force field of hope and courage. Your life becomes more compelling the deeper you go with God. Your character overflows with the fruit of the spirit. People can taste the fruit of the Spirit through your life and it tastes delicious.
So, what does it look like to be compelled by the Holy Spirit? Certainly you are comfortable with God’s purpose for your life. Maybe you broker people for Kingdom purposes. You may be a homemaker, a lawyer, a secretary, a salesman, a software developer, a banker, a mechanic, a teacher or a politician. Your vocation is not ministry, but your ministry is your vocation. Wherever God has called you—do it in a compelling fashion, or don’t do it at all. A Spirit compelled life compels others to follow Jesus.
Barnabas was a Spirit-led man of God, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).
Where is the Spirit leading me to serve the Lord? Does my life compel others to Christ?
Related Readings: Acts 16:6-7; Romans 5:5; 15:13-30; 1 Corinthians 2:4-15
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