At all costs, stay connected
When you were saved, the Holy Spirit of God came and dwelled inside of you. He lives within, communing in fellowship with the eternal spirit God breathed into you the moment you were conceived. (Psalm 139:16) When mind-altering substances are introduced into the body, they numb your ability to discern the voice of the Lord in your spirit, and in your human mind. The human mind and the eternal spirit operate together and if the mind has difficulty perceiving and functioning, it will affect how the spirit can perceive and function as well.
Everyone always asks: Is it a sin to drink a glass of wine or have a beer now and then? Well, think about this- If the Holy Spirit of God lives within you, and you rely on Him to direct your steps, guide your decisions and speak into your life, why would you ever risk breaking that eternal connection, even for a moment, for the temporary experiences that drugs or alcohol can bring? The Bible calls it “reckless”.
Instead, Paul writes, “Be filled with the Spirit.” If you find yourself drawn to substances that affect the mind, even casually, there is a disconnect between you and the Holy Spirit. You are not filled with His glory and are seeking to be filled with… something else. Press into the Lord. He is enough to fill you!
If the Holy Spirit of God lives within you, and you rely on Him to direct your steps, guide your decisions and speak into your life, why would you ever risk breaking that eternal connection, even for a moment
Ask yourself- what is the draw to these things? Even socially or in small measure- why communicate to God that you are alright with removing yourself from His voice at all? Your need to connect with substances is shallow substitute for a connection with the vital, living Spirit of God.
Reconnect with His Spirit by offering worship to God “continually” (Hebrews 13:15). When your mind and spirit are focused on ministry to Him continually through worship, that connection is more powerful than anything else on earth. If you find it difficult to walk away from these things, consider it your greatest sacrifice, for which you will ultimately find your greatest blessings. He is faithful!
Thought for today
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Did you see that? You are not your own. You are HIS. Your choices are made from a place of love, awe, admiration and submission to Him. Worship is the way to stay connected to the Holy Spirit, to keep your mind desiring Him more and more. You are His. Don’t let anything break that connection.
