Living Under the Influence

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine (Acts 2:12–13, KJV)

influence of the Holy Spirit compared to DUI

The scriptures use different natural things such as water and fire to describe the operations of the Holy Spirit. But there is one more thing the Lord uses to describe the activities of the Spirit. It is unusual, and many of us might not like it! It is alcohol. The scriptures use the influence of alcohol as an analogy to describe the influence of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:12-13 above, after the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and they began screaming in tongues, some of the Jews said they are just full of new wine. And they were correct, except that the new wine was not alcohol but the new wine of the Spirit!

In North America, Driving Under the Influence( DUI) is the term used to describe the crime where someone drives a car while being intoxicated with alcohol. This is a dangerous crime that not only endangers the life of the driver but many others who might come his or her way. Alcohol intoxication always ruins the life of the alcoholic. There is nothing good—ever, that can come out of alcoholism. However, there is another kind of influence that not only profits the person but anyone around them. It is an intoxication from heavenly wine. It is Living Under the Influence ( LUI) of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul says “..Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18, KJV). Drunkenness will leave a person in rags, ruins, and misery. But when they are filled with the Holy Spirit, it takes them to a high that no alcohol or any drugs can ever reproduce.

When a man is living under the influence of the Spirit, they do not curse their wives and children when they get home. They lovingly embrace and cherish them. The influence of the Spirit will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, etc. What man or woman will not want their spouse to come home in this state? What society is there that will send the police to chase or arrest people who are full of love for others, joy, kindness?

DUI can be deadly at worse or can even throw a person in jail. However, LUI of the Spirit will beautify your life and ultimately makes society better because of you. Be not drunk with wine which debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit! ( Ephesians. 5:18).

MEDITATE

What is the similarity and differences between DUI and LUI discussed above? Declare that “I am filled with the Holy Spirit every single day”.

APPLY THE WORD

I hate alcohol addiction. I am a Physician, and I say this because of what I see in the lives of those who are bound by alcoholism. The same is true for any form of drug addiction. However, if you are full of the Holy Spirit, your life will shine forth the glory of God as a bright light for the world to see. Yield to be Spirit, and be filled as you allow Him to take charge of your life. You need not to be afraid to yield to the Spirit. If He takes charge, He will not throw you into the gutters as alcohol does. He will make you shine and radiate the glory of God!