Sin Hinders the Work of the Holy Spirit
During a tour of a
large manufacturing plant, a visitor noticed a man using a fiery torch of high
intensity to work on huge slabs of steel. Operating from a blueprint on a
nearby table, a pointer traced the pattern and then by a clever system of
levers enlarged the design as it was burned into the metal.
There were times, however, when the flame would not make any impression. When
this happened, a chemical substance was applied to the resisting patch, and
immediately the cutting could be resumed. The worker explained that although
the torch was able to go through clean steel 8 inches thick, if it encountered
the slightest film of rust on the surface, the flame would not penetrate it.
The Bible-believing visitor remarked, “It struck me forcefully that this is a
picture of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is seeking to produce in us God’s
perfect design. If the life is unblemished, He is able to continue His efforts;
but if we become carnal or backslidden, His work of shaping us is hindered
until the area in question has been thoroughly cleansed.”