Be Filled With the Spirit

Special Gratitude Edition

Guest Post by Cathy Baldridge

Have you ever witnessed someone under the influence of alcohol? Quickly, behavior changes as alcohol lowers mental inhibitions, impairs impulse control, and increases risky behavior.  Before long, the person is not acting like their normal personality.

Isn’t it interesting that the apostle Paul compared being filled with alcohol and being filled with the Spirit? In Ephesians 5:18, Paul wrote, “And do not get drunk with wine for that is debauchery (excess), but be filled with the Spirit.”

Rather than being under the influence of alcohol, believers in Jesus Christ are to be under the influence of the Spirit of Christ.  As we voluntarily yield our decisions to Christ moment to moment, our attitude and behavior change by the Spirit’s influence.

What’s the result? Joy!  He produces praise within us with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We want to sing and worship God with like-minded family.  And He gives us an inaudible melody in our hearts just for Him!  

Paul expressed it this way in Ephesians 5:19: “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

Get this! Another result of the Spirit’s influence is revealed in verse 20: “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This makes me take a sigh of relief.  It’s under His influence I can give thanks always (in both up and down times) and for everything (when it’s rough waters or smooth sailing).  I don’t have to climb and strive, trying to conjure up a thankful attitude.  

It does require me to willingly cooperate, flexibly yielding my mind to Jesus Christ moment by moment, again and again.  He is my Influencer Who changes my complaining attitude to a grateful one.  Praise alone to Jesus Christ!