Driving a car or another vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can lead to tragedy and—of lesser consequence—a traffic ticket. Depending on the degree to which a person’s mental and motor skills are impaired, their offense will be labeled a DWI—driving while intoxicated; OWI—operating while impaired; DUI—driving under the influence (of alcohol and/or drugs). Sadly, each year thousands of people die or are injured or arrested because of the effects of mixing driving and drugs or alcohol. Paul urged the believers at Ephesus, as followers of Jesus Christ, to live under another influence.
In Ephesians 5:18, the apostle Paul said, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.” Unfortunately, just as it is today, getting inebriated was a common practice among the people of the ancient world. An intoxicated person was no longer in control of his words and actions. The apostle continues, “Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” What did he mean? Paul was telling the Ephesians that being in Christ meant being controlled and influenced by the Holy Spirit.
The grammar is helpful here. The phrase “be filled” is a present imperative in the Greek language. This means that being controlled by the Holy Spirit was a command for the Ephesians—it was to be a continuous, everyday experience. Paul wanted the church of Ephesus to experience the Spirit’s guidance, control, and power to live for Jesus every day. The result of being filled with the Spirit was life and inner joy through worshiping and thanking God—not the destruction and death that comes from drunkenness.
Let’s pursue a LUI life—”living under the influence” of the Holy Spirit. As we remain under His control, our words and actions will influence others for Jesus.
More:
• Romans 8:5-16
• Galatians 5:16-25
Next:
How does your life show that you’re being controlled by the Holy Spirit? What areas of your life still need to be yielded to Him?
marcia.arumugam on August 12, 2009 at 9:40 am
Yes, Lord Jesus, May I be filled with your Spirit always. That I may understand Your Will best in my life and what You truly plan to work out in each of your believer’s lives.
Speaking of this reminds me of the day I went to school for the very first time. It was my deepest desire to go to school even since I was 5 years old. I used to take books and pretend to read them although not knowing how to. My parents used to laugh at me though. But I had this passion grow deeper that I wanted to study. So when the real moment came for real studies, I was so indulged in it and scored so great simply because I desired and was interested in knowledge.
This is what I experience with Christ. He became my desire and thirst that I ultimately seek Him intimately to quench my thirst of the Lord. Yes, Jesus is my Living Water that shall flow eternally.
AMEN