And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
The news media has made much in the past several months of the alcohol and drug problems experienced by the mayor of Toronto. They carried reports of videos in which Rob Ford was seen with drugs or in an inebriated state, making a fool of himself. They reported with apparent glee on Ford’s problems, making much of each occasion when the mayor was in trouble. Many of the local politicians lashed out in criticizm and mockery at Ford, and he also became the butt of many comedians’ jokes. It can easily be argued that Ford brought many of his problems upon himself. But while most of those around him mocked and laughed and criticized, a small core of friends and family hung their heads in shame and grief. It broke their hearts to see such a man come into such disgrace. As others abandoned the man, those who truly cared stayed close by and tried to help him. They were like the Holy Spirit, Who stands by us even when our behaviour as believers is not representative of our high and holy calling.
In his letter to the Assembly in Ephesus, Paul admonishes us not to grief the Holy Spirit. This tells us that it is entirely possible for us to do so, and if we look in the mirror we will see a Christian who has far too often grieved the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seeks to encouragte us to obedience and fellowship with God. But even though the Holy Spirit has taken up residence within the believer, the believer still has to contend with three very powerful enemies. And these enemies – the world, the flesh, and the devil – bombard us with temptations, weaknesses, and lies. Every time we yield to the world’s temptations, or give in to the flesh’s weaknesses, or believe one of the devil’s lies, we grieve the Holy Spirit. When we seek the world’s companionship instead of the fellowship of the Lord’s people, we grieve the Holy Spirit. When we invest our time in the world’s entertainment instead of in the Word of God and in prayer, we grieve the Holy Spirit. In dozens of different ways, we fail to appreciate and do those things that make for a godly life, and we grieve the Holy Spirit.
So why is the Holy Spirit grieved when we sin and stumble? Remember the account of Mayor Ford’s enemies who rejoiced at his problems? So our enemies rejoice at our problems, because they are our enemies. But, just as Ford’s true friends felt sorry for him and were sad when he failed, so the Holy Spirit grieves for us in our follies. He is our true friend, and wants what is the very best for us. So it should be our desire to do as He desires, and not to grieve Him. -Jim MacIntosh