Living Under the Right Influence

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
(Ephesians 5:18–19)

Every one of us is influenced by something. The apostle Paul understood this when he wrote in Ephesians 5:18, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The word debauchery refers to a life without boundaries, a life given over to excess and a lack of restraint. Paul’s point is that whatever influences us eventually shapes the way we think, speak, and act. He contrasts the influence of wine with something far better: the filling of the Holy Spirit. Just as wind fills the sails of a boat and moves it forward, the Spirit of God desires to fill our lives and guide us in the direction He wants us to go.

What many believers don't realize is that being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time experience. In the original language, Paul's command carries the idea of continually being filled over and over again. It's an ongoing relationship of surrender and dependence on the Holy Spirit. When we’re not filled with the Spirit, it's easy to become consumed by the pressures, distractions, and demands of daily life. We become preoccupied with what is right in front of us and lose sight of what God is doing around us. But when the Spirit fills our lives, He awakens us to opportunities we might otherwise miss. He makes us more aware of people who need encouragement and moments when God is inviting us to participate in His work. What fills our minds often determines what captures our attention, but when we’re filled with the Spirit, we become increasingly aware of God's presence and activity in our everyday lives.

Paul tells us not to be foolish, but to understand what the Lord's will is. Many people spend years asking, "How do I know God's will for my life?" While there may be specific decisions that require prayer and wisdom, one thing is certain: God's will is that every follower of Jesus be filled with His Spirit. As you navigate the decisions, opportunities, and challenges of this week, make it your prayer to live under the Spirit's influence rather than the influence of ambition, distraction, or self-reliance. Ask God to fill you afresh each day, and trust Him to guide your steps. The more you yield to His leading, the more clearly you will recognize His voice and His direction for your life.

Bold Step Challenge:
Begin each morning this week with a simple prayer: "Holy Spirit, fill me today and make me aware of what You are doing around me." Then pay attention to the people, opportunities, and promptings God brings across your path.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I've allowed other influences to shape my thoughts and decisions more than Your presence. Fill me afresh today. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me and help me walk in step with Your Spirit. May my life reflect Your wisdom, power, and purpose. In Jesus' name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: Under the Influence

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