We took two months off for the summer and this was the question that came to my mind with the most fervency: What are you filled with? Apart from the grammatical error of the question, there was something challenging about this. Think seriously for a moment and consider what you are filled with. Perhaps it’s joy over the summer vacation coming to an end and the children going back to school. Maybe it’s sadness for the same reason. Maybe you were able to take a summer vacation and you are filled with dread or anxiety about returning to work. Perhaps a more accurate version of the question is: what spirits are you filled with? Are you filled with a complaining spirit? One of fear or anger? Regardless of our circumstances, we are to be filled with only one spirit.
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)” (Romans 8:9)
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” (Ephesians 5:18-19)
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We can easily be filled with other spirits, other emotions, or other reactions to our circumstances that seek to take the place of the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself acting in a way that is not filled with, based in, or reflecting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then it is safe to say that it is not coming from the Holy Spirit. Work hard to combat those feelings and thoughts that are not from the Spirit. Don’t just lie down and take it—it’s a constant battle. Keep fighting!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.