In Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians, he gives a very simple command that can be easily overlooked, but contains very deep meaning.
“Quench not the Spirit.” (1 Thess. 5:19)
Elder Boyd K. Packer once said:
The Spirit of Christ can be likened unto a “guardian angel” for every person.
The Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind.
This Spirit can prompt the farmer in his field and the fisherman on his boat. It can inspire the teacher in the classroom, the missionary in presenting his discussion. It can inspire the student who listens. And of enormous importance, it can inspire husband and wife, and father and mother.
This inner Light can warn and guard and guide. But it can be repulsed by anything that is ugly or unworthy or wicked or immoral or selfish.
I’ve often thought how one of the most perceptible evidences of the existence of the Spirit is when it suddenly departs. You may have felt it at school when a fight erupts between students, or when individuals raise their voices in a heated argument, or an otherwise pleasant conversation is suddenly soured by a cuss word. Warmth and happiness tend to evaporate, leaving a sick pit in the stomach.
The Spirit is such an incredible gift that provides guidance and inspiration, comfort and joy, a voice of warning and safety, enlightenment and understanding. Let us live our lives so as never to perform an act or entertain an influence that would extinguish this gift. For in so doing, we are left to ourselves, weak to temptation and exposed to the fiery darts of the adversary. “Quench not the Spirit.”
