How many times to be filled
In my entry yesterday I stated that the metaphor used in the Scriptures about our Pentecost life with the Holy Spirit is the metaphor filled. The idea of being filled of being under the influence of some sort. We use this metaphor in life when we say that one is filled with anger. This person is in some way being influenced under the emotion of anger when we say a person is filled with angerr.
The life of being under the influence of The Holy Spirit is a life of continual influence and not simply at one point or at one time. The reason I say this is because the verse most often associated with this teaching about being "under the influence" of The Holy Spirit is Ephesians 5:18. In the grammar of this vers the verb (filled) is in the present tense. The present tense here suggests something that is continuous. Paul is urging his readers in Ephesians 5:18 to be continuously filled and under the influence of The Holy Spirit and not some event for once.
So how does this occur? How does one live in a continuous influence of The Spirit? Surely one way this happens is when we have something happen in our lives that we are out of the control of its outcome. We are "forced" to admit our need of the continuous influence of The Holy Spirit
In addition, I suggest that any continuous influence of The Spirit in our lives is because of our coming to the place of knowing that we need God's power in our lives. One might call this humility; humility that I do not have the power or capacity to live the Christian life in my town strength.. Unless I come to this place in my life I am filled with my own capacity and ability which leaves little room to be under the influence of The Holy Spirit.
REFLECT: Have you come to the point in The Path to Pentecost that you have humbled yourself to acknowledge that you need the continual influence of The Holy Spirit?