Many things today can fill our lives. When I use the term fill I mean control, a great number of us ( myself included) have been or are being controlled by different things. Paul writes about this control in Ephesians 5:18
5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,
I was lost for many years in the vast sea of alcoholism. It controlled every aspect of my life the way I spoke, the way I walked, the way I felt , and the way I acted. Even when I wasn’t drunk I thought about my next drink. My judgement was always impaired, and I suffered for that in my career, and personal life. Alcoholism, drug addiction and other similar vices are tools used by the deceiver to separate us from the original intoxicant, the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t until I asked Jesus to toss me the life preserver of the Holy Spirit I was pulled to shore.
People filled with Holy Spirit also walk, talk and act differently the difference being that the impairment felt because of Him improves our judgement whereas the use of drugs and alcohol always leads us down the wrong path. On Pentecost, when people heard the apostles speak they accused them of being drunk. Man I can’t wait to be drunk like that.
2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
My battle with alcohol felt like an eternity I knew God was there to help, but Lucifer tricked me into believing that I was not worthy to be filled with Holy Spirit. Sound familiar? Nothing could be further from the truth the Holy Spirit desires to fill us up, He is not a gift given only to certain people, He is offered to all of God’s children regardless of our situation, or status in this life. We all are given every ounce of God’s love. I am happy to say I am still drunk everyday , but instead of drowning in Lucifer’s lies I walk hand in hand with our Lord. Although the road was rough the final destination was well worth the ride. We don’t have to travel alone Jesus promises us a helper just ask for Him.
14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever,
14:17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.
From Patrick a servant of God chosen to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.