[#0009] Filled vs. Controlled

Being filled with the Spirit isn't about having more of God - it's about Him having more of you. This episode unpacks Ephesians 5:18 and the comparison between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. Learn what it really means to surrender control and let the Holy Spirit influence everything you do and say.

Paul makes an interesting comparison - don't be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit. When someone's drunk, alcohol controls their behavior, speech, and decisions. Being filled with the Spirit is similar, but in the best possible way. He influences everything, but leads to life and peace instead of destruction.

The verb "be filled" is present tense, continuous action. It's not be filled once and done. It's keep on being filled, moment by moment. Being filled isn't about having more of Him - it's about Him having more of you. It's about surrender.

I share my daily struggle with this - some mornings I surrender well, and by ten o'clock I've taken control back. The beautiful thing is the Holy Spirit is patient with us. He doesn't force His way. But when we invite Him to fill us, everything changes. We have access to power, love, and peace we don't naturally have.