When Jesus walked the earth, He taught His disciples about the kingdom of God and demonstrated how to live it out. Before He left the earth, He commissioned them to take everything He had taught them and pass it on to others (Matthew 28:20). He also told them they would not be fulfilling this task alone. He would always be with them in the form of His Holy Spirit. Even though we have spirit-filled leaders who are placed in our lives to help us to become skilled in living God’s way, we each have the indwelling Holy Spirit as our constant companion and teacher (John 14:16-17,26; 16:13). As we cultivate our relationship with the Holy Spirit while spending time studying and meditating on the Word – we will walk in discernment and Godly wisdom as we practically get involved in serving in our local church. Spirit-filled leaders help us to grow in our calling to live like Jesus and learn how to allow the Holy Spirit to do His transforming work in us. As we remain teachable and trust the process of having our minds renewed to the truth of God’s Word – what is true in our re-born spirit-man will become a reality in our natural-man. Trust the Holy Spirit and those who are placed to help you in this process. Just as a good shepherd has a staff to pull the sheep closer to Himself, let their instructions pull you in closer to a lifestyle of loving the Word and serving others. When there is danger of stepping out of God’s truth, welcome their correction so that you remain in the place of blessing and freedom from the consequences of sin. Trust the Holy Spirit and those who are there to help you to reach that place of maturity and victory. They are sent by God to enrich your life as you flourish and in turn enrich others!