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A Clear Head

Ephesians 5:17-18
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, (NIVUK)

Alcohol is a gift of God in moderation (Psalm 104:15).  But in excess or as a habit, it is a demonic curse taking charge of a person's mind as a deceiver (Proverbs 20:1); convincingly persuading the drinker that foolishness is wisdom.  Most believers know that drunkenness is wrong, but if the habitual drinker is to change course, behaviour manipulation is not enough - because it will soon be overcome by more foolish thinking.   Firstly, we need to identify foolishness for what it is: a failure to love God and lack of desire to understand His will.  

Foolishness is the mindset of fools.  Psalm 14:1 traces the origin of folly, "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God.'"  No believer would say that God does not exist, but it is not difficult to lapse into thinking that God does not mind, will not notice, will understand and so will always forgive.  All those thoughts are most foolish because they are false and ultimately inspired by the Enemy of our souls (1 Peter 5:8).  Wise Christians will fill their minds with God's Word.  They will have a Word-centred fellowship with other believers, sharing their minds and hearts (Malachi 3:16).  They will search the Scriptures to check out if what they think is true (Acts 17:11).  They will rejoice together in the truth and encourage each other in worship (Ephesians 5:19-20).

Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-12 is what we should pray for each other and ourselves. "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."

Sin grieves God and inhibits the work of His Holy Spirit in our lives (Ephesians 4:30).  But when we repent, God fills us with His Holy Spirit, helping us to understand that we have been saved for a purpose.  That purpose does not include the systematic personality damage of living for sensual thrills, but rather to please our Saviour and store up treasure in heaven.  As has often been noted, the end of this verse really says, "Go on being filled with the Spirit"!  Is that what you want?  A perpetual thirst for the person of God in your life will be rewarded by Him - filling your understanding with truth, your heart with passion to do what is right and motivating your body to serve Him wholeheartedly.  We do not need more drink or any other addiction; we need more of the Lord.  Then we can take our proper place in His heavenly business.

Prayer 
Dear Lord God. Thank You for this reminder that You have not called me to foolish living, but to know Your will and do it. Please forgive me for the times I have allowed foolishness to take over my thinking. I need Your presence with me and in me - more than anyone or anything else. Help me to be hungry for You every day and please fill me with Your Holy Spirit today and every day - so that I can work with You, understanding Your purpose for my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams