October 12, 2026
William Randolf Hearst, a famous newspaper publisher and politician, is known to have invested a fortune collecting valuable art from around the world. On one occasion, hearing of particular items he dearly desired, Hearst sent his agent abroad to find them.
Following months of searching, the agent reported that he had finally discovered what he was looking for. It turns out the treasures were in Hearst’s warehouse all along. He had been frantically on a quest for what he already possessed.
And so it is with many believers. In an effort to find direction and add meaning to their lives, they go on a search for something, or should I say Someone, they already have: the Holy Spirit.
When a person professes faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them. As the apostle Paul penned, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?” (Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB).
Having already played a key role in one’s salvation, the Third Member of the Trinity, as He is also known, is there to carry out other important functions. From something as simple as helping us remember where we left our car keys to vital issues like the conviction of sin and the distribution of spiritual gifts, He’s there to guide us along on our faith journeys.
For those going through seasons of trials and tribulation, He provides comfort. In fact, that’s one of His names. According to Jesus, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26 KJV).
Paul also writes, “You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance… (Ephesians 1:13-14). Two words in these verses, besides the Holy Spirit, of course, deserve special consideration. The first is sealed. Just as the Jews thought of circumcision as a seal, the Holy Spirit is the seal for the believer. Just as the “Good Housekeeping Seal” validates the value of a product, the Holy Spirit authenticates the work and presence of Christ in the believer’s life.
Note too the word pledge, which some translations render “deposit” or "guarantee.”
In other words, the presence of the Holy Spirit is a down payment of our inheritance in time toward the glory in Christ that awaits us in eternity.
Lest we get too centered upon the Spirit Himself, let’s be reminded of these words from Jesus, spoken the night before the crucifixion. “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you” (John 16:14 NASB). It’s the task of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus, not the other way around. Jesus is the key to our salvation. The Holy Spirit is there to point to Him.
A young Italian lad knocked at the door of an artist’s studio in Rome. Once it was opened, the boy said, “Please, madam, will you give me the master’s brush?” The “master” was the lady’s late husband and had been the boy’s inspiration. The widow then placed the brush in the youth's hand, saying, “This is his brush, try it, my boy.”
With earnest intensity, the lad made a few strokes on a blank canvas. He quickly discovered, however, that he painted no better with the expert’s brush than he did with his own. It was then the widow said, “Remember, my child, you cannot paint like the great master unless you have his Spirit.”
First and foremost, make sure that you are born again and that the Spirit of Christ dwells in you. As Paul penned, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9). Assured of your salvation, “paint like the Master” on the canvas of life. Serve with joy and point others to Him.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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