Read John 14:15-19; 16:7-11.
My old youth minister, Lynn Riley, always told us that we could do what we wanted to do after we were saved, but that God would change our “want to.” How is this change possible? It comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and yet is as distinct a Person as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or an impersonal energy field as in Star Wars. The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our Christian lives.
The Holy Spirit works in unbelievers to convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit brings about our salvation as we pass from death to life at our conversion. He also works to transform us to become more like Christ, to change our character and our priorities toward His. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth (John 14:17). He comes alongside of us to be our Counselor and intercessor.
Jesus said that we wouldn’t be left as orphans. He sent the Holy Spirit to make us into the new creation and to be set aside for God’s service (II Cor. 5:17, Eph. 1:4).
I know that I need my “want to” changed every day to be a better follower of Christ. Make that a priority in your prayers, that the Holy Spirit would work in you to make you more like Christ.
Mark Riser - Apologist 