WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM A DRUNKARD?

In Ephesians 5:18, the apostle Paul tells us: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the Spirit." What comparison can we make from this advice?

*Have you ever met a drunk man? Under the influence of alcohol, he acts a certain way and smells a certain way, too. His skin, his breath, his very being is permeated by the smell.

Similarly, when we are subject to God's spirit, we give off a certain fragrance everywhere we go, we leave behind us a trail, an imprint. We are called to be a light, to change the atmosphere around us, with the grace, the goodness and the love of God. Sadly, some believers wreak havoc wherever they go, wounding and offending others. But when we are filled with the Lord's Spirit, we exude a special aura that helps others feel better after our passing, they are encouraged, elevated, revived. We do not need to make an effort to share this wonderful smell, it simply wafts from our very being.

*Some people (not all), when they are drunk, make jokes, are jovial and make everyone laugh. If you feel that you are losing your joy, it means that your channel has a leak somewhere, that you are "less filled up". The joy of the Lord is our strength, God has anointed us with the oil of gladness (Psalms 46:8). We are called to overflow, to be witnesses of the joy of the Lord, for He told us that rivers of living water would flow from our bosom. The presence of the Holy spirit in our lives should give off joy, and not only when everything is going well, but even in the face of problems and adversity. If you feel that you are losing your joy, stop and ask yourself what is wrong. This deep joy is our strength, our stability, a sign that we are in the presence of God.

If you're wearing a frown, or having a long face, you aren't filled with the Holy Spirit. Stop everything and return to the source, you have a leak!

*A drunk or intoxicated person has a courage, a boldness and a lack of fear that can be frightening. During the day, he may be timid and fearful, but suddenly, he can walk on roofs! Why? Because he is under the influence of alcohol. The same can be said of us under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we should not be afraid, fear the future or problems. We shouldn't be scared to open our mouths either, in this world where political correctness is king : "Don't say anything, don't talk, you may offend someone!" That said, we should of course be careful to not deliberately offend others, but when we walk in truth, sooner or later, truth will confront lies. Let's not forget that the fear of man is a trap.

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can open our mouths with boldness and assurance, we can do what God asks of us without fear, going against the mainstream world's immorality, godlessness and violence, and deal with challenges in these trying times.

*When someone under the influence of alcohol falls, drunkenly, he quite likely won't feel much if someone hits him or beats him. Upon awakening, he won't remember having been assaulted. If you tend to get offended over nothing, it's like a barometer: you aren't under the Holy Spirit's influence. Under His influence, we are like ducks: their feathers are covered with a protective oil, so that when they dive underwater, the water floats right off their feathers; this oil also protects them from the cold. Pursue peace, its propensity to forgive and love, for without this, no one will be able to see the Lord through you.

*Have you noticed that drunks don't criticize others? If a drunkard goes in a bar, he will suddenly forget his enemies and say: " I love you, I love everyone! Barman, next round's on me!" When we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we aren't looking to pick on others, criticise, analyse. Acts 4: 31-32 tells us: "All the believers were one in heart and mind." They were united, they encouraged each other.

*People under the influence of alcohol are generally very generous: a drunkard goes into a bar with his wallet full and leaves with it empty. Someone not under the influence of the Holy Spirit will only put petty change in the collection basket, their tithe will be the exact amount down to the cent, he is giving because he is obliged to. But a heart filled with the Holy Spirit gives because he wants to, he is generous.

Let's be honest and take a few moments to evaluate ourselves. If we do not have much joy, if we are afraid, if we prefer compromises, if we have a critical spirit, if we are a bit too attached to our pocketbook, maybe we have a leak somewhere.