Intoxication

Have you ever been around someone and wondered whether they were drunk or not? The answer should be an emphatic, NO!! Why is that? Because the difference between being drunk and not being drunk is so huge that there isn't ever a question or subtlty. You can tell by a person's actions and speech.

Ephesians 5:18 says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." Wait a minute- did that just compare being drunk with being spiritual? YES!

We just started a new series at church on this very subject, and the sermon was so great, I just had to share.

So, back to Ephesians 5:18. How is it possible to compare being drunk with being filled with the Spirit? What did God mean by that?? Let's look at some characteristics of drunk people and I believe you will see.

1. Drunk people talk differently (you can tell someone is drunk by the way they speak)
2. Drunks produce one of these two urges in those around them: to get away from them or join them.
3. A drunk is always ready for another binge.
4. Drunks don't feel pain.
5. Drunks don't have any pride (you can't hurt a drunk's feelings).
6. Drunks don't like to drink alone.
7. Drunks are motormouths (they make friends with everyone).
8. Drunks are generous (they don't think twice about buying drinks for many different people).
9. Drunks love everybody (they are very affectionate and don't avoid anyone based on stereotypes).
10. Drunks fight (they believe they are invincible and are not afraid of anything).
11. A drunk will do anything for a drink.

When I look at this list and think about how I can apply each of these qualities to my walk with God, I am amazed. The person who achieves all of these qualities through intoxication by the Spirit is one who will be unstoppable in being used by God. What would happen if I was always ready for another binge of God's presence? What if I didn't want to indulge in His presence alone and, therefore, gathered groups of people to join me in my ecstasy? What if I didn't have any pride or insecurities...was so unaware of myself that I would cross any barrier to do the great things I have been called to do?

Friends, Ephesians 5:18, I believe, is referring to a loss of control. To be drunk is to have lost control. I don't know about you, but I am ready to lose control for Christ! I am eager to enter the state where my actions and speech are uncontrollable because I have given myself so fully to Christ that He has altered my state of mind.

Only through intoxication with Him can we have an unending supply of the substance that makes our lives not broken, but ever sweeter and favored by Him. :)