“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:17-18
Who is my number one influencer? Is it my wife? A friend? Is it my mom, brother or mentor? All of these are important and influential, but I desire the number one influencer in my life to be the Holy Spirit. He is the one whose advice is always full of integrity. When I am Spirit led, I can be confident of outcomes that mirror God’s will.
It is easy to be influenced by a culture whose standards are below what’s best. For example, the world may whine and say it’s old fashion to have boundaries with the opposite sex. But, as believers in Jesus we know it’s wise to keep emotional distance from someone who is not our spouse. Spirit-led living does not linger long around unwise activities.
Who is your number one influencer? Perhaps it’s a coach, a colleague or a counselor that gives you good advice. All of these have their place, but never allow an individual to replace the Holy Spirit as your most important influencer. Sometimes a friend will suggest one thing and God’s spirit another; go with God! His promptings are meant to triumph any attractive offer that may tease your emotions. Trust the Spirit’s leading.
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5).
It may be hard for you to follow the influence of your Heavenly father, because your earthly father may have abandoned his responsibilities. However, the Spirit of your Father in heaven is trustworthy and true. He never leaves you nor forsakes you. His Holy Spirit is sensitive to exactly what you need and when you need it. He is reliable.
So, once you have confessed and repented of your sin, ask Him for the fullness of His Spirit to flood your soul. The Spirit of God flushes out the foolishness of the flesh and fills it with wisdom from the Lord. The Holy Spirit brings wholeness to your heart and truth to your head. Be intoxicated by the Spirit’s influence and you will walk wisely.
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:11).
Do I submit daily to the Holy Spirit’s control? How do I know when the Spirit leads me?
Related Readings: Galatians 5:25; 2 Timothy 1:14; James 4:4; 1 John 3:24
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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