Filled With the Spirit: What Does It Mean?

The following is a story of a profound lesson on what it means to be "filled with the Spirit".

While attending a class which focused on the study of Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, a fellow student once posed this question to the professor, ‘what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?’ The professor, a Dominican Friar, paused briefly in contemplation and answered the student in one word, "FREEDOM".

He then went on to explain his answer this way:

He said that man proceeds through life in stages.

He is first directed by others. For example, babies, toddlers and the young need to be directed by others. Some people remain in this stage of being OTHER DIRECTED, while most outgrow this stage and move on to the next.

The 2nd stage is one in which man is SELF DIRECTED, or perhaps more accurately stated, believes himself to be in charge of his own destiny. It is this stage that will produce feelings of anxiety and restlessness.

The 3rd stage is one in which man is able to attain total FREEDOM. This stage is one in which man relies neither on himself nor others but rather places God in charge of his life, or more aptly stated, becomes GOD DIRECTED and FREE.

So we can ponder these three stages - OTHER DIRECTED, SELF DIRECTED, AND GOD DIRECTED. The latter requires a strong faith that God knows what is best for us, and that He alone is in charge! Do we trust in Him? It’s our choice!