2. HOLY SPIRIT ASSISTANCE IN YOUR BUSINESS

Every Christian worker needs the assistance of the Holy Spirit in order to become effective in their service. In all our activities God is to be glorified.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Two rules are taught in the context of this verse - first, everything to the glory of God, second, putting no stumbling block in the way of a brother. If in the business world you are to bring glory to God and good to man, you will need the help of the mighty Helper.

	Have you solicited the Holy Spirit's assistance?
	Do you rely on the Holy Spirit's assistance?

2.1. HE GIVES CONFIDENCE WHEN FACING THREATENING SITUATIONS

Godly business people are thrust into situations and changes that give cause for fear, dismay, trepidation, intimidation, and apprehension. They can be sure God the Spirit is not the author of "a spirit of fear".

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. "

It would seem that Timothy had a natural timid nature. The word "fear" - "timidity" (NIV), 'deilia' "cowardice" is used only here in the New Testament. In view of Timothy having received the Holy Spirit, he was not to be "ashamed" to witness (2 Timothy 1:8 ). Nor of Paul's imprisonment for the gospel - rather he was urged to share in the sufferings together with Paul, by the power of God received from the Helper, the giving Spirit. Through the Helper, courage, strength, and boldness are available. The Holy Spirit is able to impart to the otherwise timid, a spirit of "power" 'dunamis', a strong unshaken confidence. Also a spirit of "love" (agape) that removes fear, and is the excelling way in which to exercise the grace gift of "all faith" (1 Corinthians 13:2 ). The Spirit of love will positively respond to the reminder "to stir up the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV ). The Helper also gives "a sound mind" 'sophronismos', "self-discipline" (NIV), a self-mastery that keeps from rash, hasty, wrong reaction, to being troubled on every side.

The believer in threatening and challenging business situations has unlimited resources in the Holy Spirit. When facing new ventures and extra undertakings, the Helper is the faithful reminder that He works "all things ... together for good." (Romans 8:28 ). What a boost this is to your confidence.

2.2. HE GUIDES YOU IN MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

The guidance of the Holy Spirit is a way of life for God's people.

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

It is usual that His guidance is more earnestly looked for in times when difficult decisions have to be made. You can depend on the fact that He will guide. We are told how we can live in such a way that we can be sure "He shall" direct, no matter how enormous the problem seems to be.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

Follow these admonitions in obedience, and experience the Lord's faithful guidance.

	Don't doubt the Lord - let there be a healthy distrust of yourself.
	Put your complete confidence in your divine Helper; pour contempt on the pride of intellect.
	Be totally committed to the Lord's way, reject independent action.
	Practice consulting the Lord through the fellowship of the Spirit.
	Be more concerned about how your decisions and actions affect your fellowship in the Spirit.
	Serve Him with a loyal and willing mind, submitting to His rule in your life.
	Expect the divine Helper to lead in a clear way no matter how confusing the problem.
	He will direct you by removing all the obstacles out of the way, leaving a clear path of action.
	Do not be so desperate to hear His voice, or be given a Scripture, that you miss seeing His arrangement of the circumstances.
	Let the guarantee of His sure guidance fill you with peace so that you perceive the opened way.

The truth which the Holy Spirit gives, forms the solid foundation for all life's decisions.

2.3. HE GUARDS FROM RECKLESS, UNWISE ACTIONS

The Holy Spirit guards by the reality of His indwelling presence, He is "in you" (John 14:17 ). Living in the consciousness of the Holy Spirit's presence protects from those things that would displease the Lord. Instead, you will be full of knowledge of His will, and gladly receive regulation of your conduct to Christlikeness, so that you fully please Him. He is pleased by your fruitfulness of good works, and by your growing knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10 ).

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit makes you ask for and receive this mighty strengthening by His mighty power (Colossians 1:11 ), bringing a self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate. When you consciously accept that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you, it locks in His protection by the practical conclusions you arrive at. For example:-

	He is present - I do not want to do anything He would disapprove of.
	He is present - I will try to say nothing He would not like to hear me say.
	He is present - I will not go where I cannot take Him.
	He is present - I cannot get involved in any deal He would not want to be involved in.
	He is present - I will not go into debt beyond what my business has the orders, capital, or the collateral to cover.
	He is present - I must not go beyond the dictates of wise common sense in my decisions, which the Holy Spirit confirms with His peace.
	He is present - I must not get my eyes on sudden riches, and fall into the sin of covetousness that grieves the Holy Spirit.
	He is present - He will help me to make the pleasing of Jesus my delight in all my business.