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Recently I read, “The Christian who is not spirit-filled is actually living in rebellion. His disobedience to God is not weakness but wickedness.” Well, that is certainly calling us out.

The word says: Ephesians 5:18, “…be filled with the spirit.” Acts 4:31 says, “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These are some of my favorites as they demonstrate reasons why this is so important.

Many “so called” Christ followers go their entire lives and never speak to another person about their conversion or their relationship with God. They are happy just to be saved for themselves. This includes their children, relatives and community. No effort or attempt is made to reach others.

These verses ring loud and clear that obedience to God is powerful when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. It gives us the edge we need to step out of our comfort zone. It helps us to love people enough to be concerned about their eternity as well as our own.

I get it. Sometimes it is hard, uncomfortable and uncertain. But God tells us if we will open our mouths, then he will fill it. He will give us the words to say. Some say well I live a Christian lifestyle. You do? Well, if that is the case then obedience is part of a Christian lifestyle. God does not allow us to pick and choose what part of the word we want to obey. He expects us to obey all of it. As we learn Gods’ word, we gain the proper knowledge of what he desires.

It’s like a child being raised in a home. As they grow, they learn what the expectations are, and they follow. If they do not, then we say they are rebellious. What about us? As a Christ follower, there are expectations that God has for each of us. The same ones. He is king. He rules a kingdom. He guides us into all truth.

This week may we be mindful of God. Ask him to help us to receive all that he has for us that we might be used to impact his kingdom in a positive way. Ask him to help us to reach out to family, friends, and our community.

Yvette Perrin can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.