18 ”And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
Booze is a hot topic. It dominates today's sports culture. It represents the lion's share of sports advertising dollars.
Its presence, to many, is a symbol of success. It's subtly become a “recovery drink.” It gets in our refrigerators, bodies and brains. It clearly has influence.
God wants His Spirit to be a hotter topic, exercising better influence. Here are some of His strong drink thoughts:
- BE SOBER. Alcohol tricks us. We get intoxicated to get inspired, but with each sip we actually lose control.
We think it's a stimulant, but it's actually a depressant. Ask your pharmacist. It depresses everything in your brain that makes you behave at your very best and highest.
- BE CHARGED WITH “LUI.” Live Under the Influence (LUI) of the Spirit. While a DUI is a deadly charge, getting an LUI conviction of the Spirit is a blessing. With each filling we gain control, not lose it.
It is a stimulant that truly, rightly inspires and grows amazing, godly fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23).
BE HUMAN. While consuming alcohol leads to a dehumanizing debauchery, Holy Spirit filling actually humanizes us. We become more like the Perfect Man, Jesus!
BE FILLED. Here's what “BE filled” actually means in the original text, the Greek:
It's imperative. This is not optional, it's obligation. This is not a proposal, it's a command. Let Him in.
It's plural. All of us are to be filled. None of us are to be drunk. The Holy Spirit targets all who follow Jesus.
It's continuous. Filling is not a single act. It's a continual process of emptying out our junk and making room for Him.
Let it happen. Just give Him permission. Yield. Roll with it. Just like reading the Bible … you read it, BUT LET IT READ YOU TOO.
There's a lot to think about here. Let's do it.
A prayer to consider: O, Spirit come, fill. Be my only strong drink. Help me live under Your divine influence. For the glory of the Father and our joy in Christ, Amen.
