When a person reaches a point where they become interested in committing their life to God, they enter into the covenant of baptism. Buried in the waters of baptism (Romans 6:4), the believer's past sins—acknowledged and repented of—are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ on their behalf (Hebrews 9:15-22). Coming up out of the water a new life in Christ begins (2 Corinthians 5:17) made possible by the Spirit of God dwelling within them through prayer and the laying on of hands (Acts 8:6; 2 Timothy 1:6).

According to what we see in Scripture, that concludes the act of baptism, but the spiritual growth process that follows is one that continues for a lifetime. It is not a one-time commitment, it is a lifetime of pruning, of overcoming sin and becoming more and more like Jesus Christ every day. The covenant of baptism simply represents the first step.

It is that process of pruning, overcoming sin, and becoming more and more like Jesus Christ with every day that is an indication of a life that is being led by the Holy Spirit.

Whether a person is being led by God’s Spirit is an extremely important question, because baptism and receipt of the Holy Spirit isn’t enough to become a part of the family of God. That’s not the litmus test. The apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans that those who are “led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God” (Romans 8:12-15). Being led by God’s Spirit is important, because a person can receive God’s Spirit and through negligence or inaction quench its fire in their life (1 Thessalonians 5:19). God doesn’t desire individuals who are not actively living His way of life in the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and other locations). The apostle Paul also wrote to Timothy and admonished him to fan the flames of that Spirit in his life (2 Timothy 1:5-7).

We are called to change. Yielding ourselves to God’s Spirit in our lives and allowing it to change us at our core, transforming our mind, speech and actions, is a necessity. In Galatians 5, there is a contrast made between the lusts of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit (the things witnessed in the life of someone who is led by God’s Spirit). In Galatians 5:22-23, we see that if an individual is increasing in godly love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, they are putting to death the carnal lusts of the flesh and allowing God’s Spirit to lead and transform them each day.

As time goes on, there will be less of the carnal responses and more of the responses God desires: love, patience, self-control and the like.

So to answer the question posed:

1. Have you received God’s Spirit by the laying on of hands?

2. Are you overcoming your sins?

3. Are your thoughts, speech and actions becoming more and more like Christ with each passing day?

If you answered yes to all three of those questions, then you can reasonably conclude that you are being led by God’s Spirit in your life. Keep nurturing that Spirit and growing spiritually, and listen for its promptings in your life.

If you answered no to these questions, it is an indication that either you haven’t received God’s Spirit, or that you are not properly yielding yourself to it in your life.

The good news is, it’s not too late.

Just as a campfire can be returned to life by fanning the flames and putting on fuel, so too can God’s Spirit. Increased prayer and study, service to God, turning to Him and drawing near (James 4:8) all can help us to nurture that fire within. Once it is kindled anew, it is important for us to continue down that path and continue to zealously feed that fire.

Learn more about being led by God’s Holy Spirit in our free study aid, The Power of the Holy Spirit.