“The Spirit Controlled Life” Pt 1:
I’ve met many people through the years who worked really hard at trying to improve themselves. I have to be honest, I was one of those people and most likely, you were too. There are common battles like, fits of anger, jealousy, bad feelings toward certain individuals, or holding grudges. Some desire to break bad habits or addictions.
Thoughts of improving oneself is noteworthy, but rarely is it successful. Self-help books give ideas, but not lasting change. One person told me, “This is just who I am and I’ll never change!” It was easier to accept improper behavior than to change. The Bible says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t act like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT).
Paul continues, “Don’t be drunk with wine because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 18). The effects of alcohol are obvious. A person under the influence is not the same person they are when sober which is a reason some alcohol beverages are called “spirits”. They cause people to do things often regretted and never would have been done had they been in their right mind. But they weren’t! They lost control of their mind.
The Apostle contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary “high,” to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better joy, an indescribable peace, along with a God given drive that leads to hope, a cure for depression, monotony, tension, and self control.
We shouldn’t be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have but with how much of us the Holy Spirit has. God saves us at salvation and wants to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He can’t do this until we TOTALLY surrender our lives to Him. This is not a “one and done” experience but something to make a habit of doing every morning. There’s more to say, so come back tomorrow for some noticable characteristics of the Spirit Filled life.
Pastor Carnes
