Day 37: The Spirit Filled Life
VERSES TO CONSIDER:
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18
As a missionary to university students over the last 15 years, I am well acquainted with the party and drinking scene. Starting on Thursday night, students would start drinking-jumping from one bar and party to the next. The stress of classes, the need for excitement, a desire to be accepted, an attempt to numb ones’ inhibitions, a desperate need to belong, or to find a way of escaping the pain and anxieties of life all are sought after as they drink one shot after another. For many escaping through alcohol, is their way of surviving the harsh realities of life.
Far too often in our culture, we associate alcohol with fun, parties and releasing of inhibitions. We are trained by the myriad of beer commercials that alcohol is the doorway into a life of great happiness and fun. The problem is that this is deceiving. And if alcohol does bring any joy, it is only short lived and temporary. And alcohol consumption always leads to heartache, pain and turmoil. While the effects of alcohol may lead to fun and a lot of noise, it almost always ends up in destruction. A recent headline says it all, “Man cooks with gun powder after drinking.”
Paul writes that we should not get drunk, but that we should instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul here makes a vivid contrast between alcohol and a life filled with the Spirit of God. He is saying that alcohol is a poor substitute for the presence of God. It only numbs our senses and decision making… leaving us in even more pain and regret.
Instead of numbing ourselves through alcohol, or trying to find a party that will only last for a while, we are invited to encounter the presence, power and peace that comes through intimacy with the Holy Spirit. We need God’s presence and power. Only as we have His Spirit, leading, guiding and empowering us can we do the things that we need to do. And Paul says this better than getting drunk, better than any party with alcohol can provide and better than any experience alcohol could open a door to.
On the day of Pentecost, those who had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit were described as being drunk. We know they were not inebriated on alcohol but overwhelmed with the new wine of God’s Spirit.
God invites us to the great life – a life filled with the Spirit. A life of joy, power and real, meaningful life. That is why Paul said, “The kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)
Statistics tell us that alcohol consumption is increasing in our culture. Even in a tough economy people seem to find enough money to buy a drink. Whether they are trying to numb their pains, calm their fears or mask their despair, we know that it will not be a lasting solution. That is why Paul says we need to continually filled with the Holy Spirit… refilled daily. All too often we are living in our own strength and trying to face life in our ability. We need to spend time each day, praying in the Spirit and asking Him to fill us again.
A Prayer To Pray
Pour out your Spirit on me. Fill me with your presence. I ask for you to use me to do your will through your power. Help me to stay in step with your Spirit. In your Name, Jesus, Amen.
- - Jeff Alexander, Chi Alpha Indiana