Who's Controlling You?
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 NLT
Yesterday, I met Ray.
Not formally, but from a distance.
While I was making a pastoral visit in a hospital Emergency Department hallway (they were very busy), the paramedics wheeled up Ray right next to me. It was quickly evident by his loud talking, erratic behavior, and looks that Ray was under the influence of some drug. They kept calling his name, trying to get him to calm down.
Ray's situation is sad in so many ways. While I don't know the whole story, I got to see firsthand how substance abuse had ruined Ray. Like all of us, sober or not, Ray needs Jesus. I prayed for him this morning.
Ray also reminded me of Ephesians 5:18, which warns of drunkenness. This would apply to any impairing substance, not just alcohol. In this verse, the issue is one of control—whether one is controlled by wine or the Holy Spirit. One leads to death, and the other to life and fruitfulness.
Being filled by the Holy Spirit is not as strange as it may sound. It simply means that we let the Holy Spirit control our lives. We walk in obedience and submission to Him. According to the next verse, this type of control doesn't lead to erratic outbursts; instead, it leads to singing praises. "Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts." Ephesians 5:19 NLT
The question to consider today is this: Who is controlling your life?
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today for those who are caught in the grip of drugs and alcohol. I pray for their deliverance from such cruel bondage and that they would come to know You. I also pray that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in Your will and ways today. In Jesus' mighty Name, I pray, Amen.