THE FRUIT OF BEING FILLED

You can always tell when someone has been drinking. Their speech changes, their behavior shifts, and their decision-making becomes impaired. However, there is something beautiful about people who are filled with God's Spirit; they exhibit a different kind of glow and respond uniquely to life's challenges. The question is not whether we will be influenced by what fills us, but rather what kind of influence it will be. This means that whatever feeds you ultimately leads you. Whatever we allow to be planted will grow.

When we are filled with the Spirit, rather than intoxicated by the world, the fruits of that filling are evident. When God's Spirit and His Word guide us, we are infused with the power to do His will. Instead of the scattered and wasteful life that results from worldly intoxication and distractions, we experience a focused and purposeful life that comes from spiritual fulfillment. We find ourselves speaking with wisdom instead of foolishness, singing with joy rather than complaining, and giving thanks instead of grumbling. Most importantly, being filled with the Spirit creates a different type of intoxication—one that does not lead to dissipation but to transformation. We become intoxicated with God's love, overwhelmed by His presence, and filled to overflowing with His peace and joy.