Christ is the head, and we are His body (1 Co 12:12–27). Just as every part of the body receives direction from the head in order to live and function, we too must be guided by God, the Holy Spirit, if we are to reach the kingdom of heaven. It was the Holy Spirit who revealed the Sabbath to bless us, and the Passover to protect us from disasters and lead us to eternal life in heaven.
According to the promise of His second coming to bring salvation (Heb 9:28), it was Father Ahnsahnghong who came again and taught us the most essential truths for inheriting eternal life. Every instruction, command, and request from the Holy Spirit is life itself. That is why we absolutely need the Spirit in our walk of faith. As children of God, we must long for and rely on the Holy Spirit if we are to receive the blessings we hope for.
It was by the Spirit’s guidance that Philip approached the Ethiopian eunuch and led him to baptism (Ac 8:26–39). Because Philip wholeheartedly accepted the Spirit’s words and was filled with a desire to save souls, the Spirit instructed him to go near the chariot. In the same way, when Paul preached, it was God who opened Lydia’s heart to receive his message (Ac 16:6–14). Paul poured his entire heart, mind, and soul into proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. He did not act on his own will, but only according to the Spirit’s leading; and as a result, he bore abundant fruit wherever he went.
We, too, must follow God’s will above our own, and carry out the gospel work in step with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Yet at times, we move forward without prayer, neglect God’s word, or act in ways the Spirit does not desire. When this happens, we may forfeit the spiritual blessings prepared for us. God calls us to unity, to care for one another, and to glorify His name. If we hurt our Zion family members or speak and act in graceless ways, our efforts in evangelism may be hindered; for God will not open hearts when our actions contradict His Spirit. If we disregard the instruction of Christ our Head and resist the leading of the Holy Spirit, we cannot expect to bear fruit.
Even athletes, in pursuit of a gold medal, practice strict discipline and follow their coach’s every instruction. In the same way, God is our coach, and we are runners in the race toward heaven. Let us run according to His will and receive the golden crown of eternal life (Rev 4:1–6, 10–11; 2 Ti 4:1–8). The Holy Spirit warns us, “Do not conform to this world,” and if we run while doing things that God’s people ought not to do or see, we risk being disqualified. The Spirit also commands, “Preach the word, whether they listen or not.” If we choose based on our own judgment that “That person won’t listen,” we are refusing the Spirit’s guidance. We must follow the Spirit’s instruction faithfully and without compromise. Let us run the race of faith with discipline and perseverance until we receive the prize (1 Co 9:24–25).
The Bible is filled with examples of those who triumphed in the race of faith (Heb 12:1–2). Noah obeyed God’s command, built the ark, and received salvation. David trusted in God, defeated Goliath, and delivered Israel. Daniel’s three friends followed the Spirit’s will, refusing to bow to idols; and even in the blazing furnace, not a hair on their heads was singed. Moses could have enjoyed the glory of Pharaoh’s palace, yet he looked instead to the reward of heaven and chose to obey the Spirit (Heb 11:24–26). The apostles—Paul, Peter, James, John—and many other faithful believers followed the word given by the Holy Spirit, and now dwell in the kingdom of heaven.
If we live by the law of the Spirit of life, we will be set free from the law of sin and death and enter the eternal kingdom (Ro 8:1–2). We cannot win this race by our own strength; it is only through the law of the Spirit that we can overcome. The Spirit knows our weaknesses, intercedes for us, and opens the path before us. Our prayers must unite with His work. Those who earnestly seek the Spirit will be filled with holiness, peace, gentleness, humility, mercy, and good fruit (Jas 3:17–18). Let us run the race of faith with all our hearts, follow the voice of the Holy Spirit, and at the end of our journey, receive the golden crown that awaits us in heaven.
