A Vessel Prepared for God's Use: Be FilledSample

THE DIVINE ALTERNATIVE

As a child, I drank sodas without a second thought. I loved the fizz, the sweetness, and the variety of flavors. However, as I grew older, I realized that those sodas were packed with sugar and empty calories. So, when all the ZERO beverages came out—offering zero calories and zero sugars—I was thrilled. Although water has always been the healthier option, those ZERO drinks made me feel like I had made a smart and successful choice. The truth is, when it comes to hydration, nothing can replace water. A good taste may be fleeting, but water provides lasting benefits.

Just as I discovered that water was the true solution to hydration—not the artificially sweetened alternatives—Paul reveals that the Holy Spirit is the true solution to our soul's thirst, not the worldly substitutes we often choose. I’m not just referring to avoiding the bad while embracing the good—I’m highlighting the fact that we are vessels designed to be filled with the Spirit of God. Therefore, the real question isn’t whether we will be filled, but with what we will be filled. This idea of "being filled" opens up a world of potential for spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Being filled with the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and influence every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and emotions to our decisions and desires. The Greek word for "filled" in Ephesians 5:18 is *plēroō*, which means to be made whole, to be completely occupied, and to be supplied with what is needed. Just as wine fills every corner of a cup, altering its very essence, the Holy Spirit desires to fill every part of our being—our minds, emotions, choices, and affections.