Here’s the thing about starting to walk with Jesus: for many people, they say “yes” to Jesus…and that’s it.
They never actually take any more steps of faith. Oh sure, they receive salvation, but that’s different from truly living by faith.
When it comes to living by faith, the presence of the Holy Spirit makes all the difference.
In Ephesians 5:18 the Apostle Paul advises us: “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
It’s super interesting that Paul uses a drinking analogy to explain how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. When you’re under the influence of alcohol, it brings out the worst of who you are. We have a whole section of our criminal code dedicated to people who are caught driving or operating publicly under the influence of alcohol.
In the same way, Paul says that you want to live your life under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Instead of bringing out the worst parts of who you are, He brings out the best parts of who you are––in the presence of Jesus.
The Apostle Paul said it this way in Romans 8: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God.”
If we are walking with Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit.
So, the question is NOT: Do you have the Spirit?
The better question is: Does the Spirit have you?
Here’s how you know: in each situation of our lives, when we display the fruits of the Spirit. The Bible tells us the fruits of the Spirit show up in things like love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. That’s what the Apostle Paul talks about in Galatians 5.
- Anytime you choose self-sacrificial love instead of arrogance or pride, you’re walking in the Spirit.
- Anytime you choose a holy joy no matter what your circumstances are, you’re walking in the Spirit.
- Anytime you’re patient with someone when you don’t wanna put up with them anymore, you know you’re walking in the Spirit.
And the list goes on.
The Spirit of God dwells in you because of your faith in Jesus. But we also want the Spirit of God to flow not only in us, but through us to a world that is in need of the love of Jesus. And that takes daily checking in with the Lord. Asking for His Spirit to fill us and work through us.
Holy Spirit, will you take over?
Holy Spirit, will you lead me?
Holy Spirit, will you teach me?
Holy Spirit, will you convict me?
Holy Spirit, will you allow me to glorify God more than anything else?
And here’s the best part: Our lives will ultimately bring glory to the Lord and bless others in the process.
Now that’s what I call a win-win!