Guidance

We are surrounded by people who want to influence us. Many apply pressure to convince us to follow their opinions; they want support for their views and this is shown by the numbers of people who agree with them enough to do certain actions. Some people are willing to relinquish their self-control and give their thoughts, behaviors, and speech over to the destructive influence of other people, alcohol or other substances. Anything that attempts to overpower our scripture-based judgment is extremely dangerous to our lives. Similar to alcohol or substances, some people will attempt to control us to whatever degree that we will allow. We can become intoxicated on other people’s views. Paul said, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” - Eph. 5:17-19 (ESV). The Holy Spirit living within us influences us, but He will not force us to do any specific action, nor will He prevent us from doing any action. Our thoughts, speech, and actions are supported by our own personal choices and we need to protect those choices from contamination. As influence, the Holy Spirit may cause us to remember the results of our own actions in the past, or those of other people. We need listen to Him and live under the influence of the Holy Spirit as we follow our unique individual spiritual journey by thinking, saying, and doing things that bring glory to God. The final choices are ultimately our own.