Ephesians 5:18 instructs us, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
In this verse, Paul draws a clear contrast between being filled with alcohol, which leads to poor judgment, and being filled with the Spirit, which leads to a life under God’s control.
When someone is drunk, they are under the influence of alcohol, which will result in reckless behavior and a lack of self-control.
On the other hand, being filled with the Spirit means being under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t a one-time event but a continuous process of surrendering every part of our lives to God’s control.
But how can we be filled with the Spirit? It starts with regular prayer and Bible study, where we draw closer to God and seek His guidance. Church and fellowship with other believers also play a crucial role, as these activities help us stay connected to God. Additionally, we must be willing to confess and turn away from sin, making room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
When we are filled with the Spirit, the results are evident. Our lives will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
These characteristics should naturally flow from a life that is under the Spirit’s control, reflecting the nature of Christ to those around us.
Being filled with the Spirit also brings greater sensitivity to God’s leading. As we surrender to His influence, we become more attuned to His voice, allowing Him to guide our decisions and actions. Acts 4:31 shows the power that comes from being filled with the Spirit: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” A Spirit-filled life is marked by boldness in witnessing and living out our faith, empowered by God’s presence within us.
In conclusion, as dear children of God, let us strive to be filled with the Spirit. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and walk in the power and boldness that only He can provide. This is the kind of life that reflects Christ and brings glory to God.
