Filled, But With What?
James 1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Luke 11:24 “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The key to accomplishing James 1:19 is found in Galatians 5:22.
The risk of failing to complete James 1:19 is found in Luke 11:24.
If we rid ourselves of anger, pride, filthiness and wickedness yet fail to humbly receive the Word then we become zombies, filled with evil spirits.
When we invite Holy Spirit and The Word to fill us there will be no room for demons. When we’re filled with Holy Spirit, when we’re filled with The Word, then guess what sloshes out when we get bumped?
We become a light in the darkness, we become life and hope to those around us. We become strength to those who are weak. We become encouragement to the discouraged.
But it all begins with our intention. God will not force us to fill ourselves with His Goodness. We must invite Him in. Otherwise, ours is not a relationship of Love but a relationship of coercion.
Father, fill us with Your Spirit and Your Love!