Filled

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FILLED
Eph 5:18
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
NIV
I have always been so impressed how so many use this verse to abhor the use of wine all together when it clearly says is not speaking to that issue at all. The whole of this concept, to me, at least is truly the difference between a person of the world and a person of God. Although I absolutely see not one thing wrong with a taste of the fruit of the vine, it is not the thrust of the statement. No, rather than be intoxicated with the world, I must be so by the Spirit. True an overindulgence of wine might lead to debauchery. Now I have to know what this word debauchery is in the original language. I now see it actually has a meaning of an abandoned, dissolute, life. I dare say a sip of wine certainly does not lead to this, but rather the state of intoxication on a continual basis might well do the trick. I also believe those poor individuals who are not filled with the Spirit but rather are drunk on the world may well be experiencing an abandoned, dissolute life, without Christ, without hope. I am so eternally grateful to my Lord for calling out of the darkness and into the wonderful light of his love and grace. I am also thankful, in ways I cannot think of words which could explain it nearly as full as it should be, for the Spirit and being filled to overflowing by him. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if this were not the case. I cannot even what to imagine, as I had enough pain before Christ. Why would I want to go back to that? No I am more than content to be filled with the Spirit rather than be intoxicated by the life of being filled with ‘self’ ,self pleasure, the life of guilt, the life of pain and suffering without hope, the life of sin. Now do I still fail God? Unfortunately I must face this reality, but it does not void the being filled with the Spirit and indicate I am drunk on wine. It is the Spirit who speaks to my heart when those moments occur which cause me to knee, if not physically, but spiritually to seek forgiveness from my Father who is in Heaven. Thank you Lord Jesus for sending the Spirit to me in order I may be filled.