Long and acrobatic jumps, such as those seen in gymnastics, diving, or freestyle skiing, are judged on a combination of factors beyond just the distance or height achieved. As with long jumps, the quality of the landing is critical. Judges look for a clean, controlled landing with minimal movement after touching the ground or water.
When we think about being filled with the Holy Spirit, our focus as Christians shouldn’t be on how high we can jump but on how straight we walk after we land. Today, much is debated about what it truly means to be filled with the Spirit. Many emphasise miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues, casting out demons, and various forms of healing—diverse spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good (1 Cor 12:7-11). The pursuit of spiritual gifts and experiences is essential; however, while these are exciting outcomes, such discussions can lose sight of the main purpose of God’s command to be filled with His Spirit. It’s not about reaching spiritual heights but about walking upright in a world that is far from straight (Gal 5:16-25; Eph 5:18). Ultimately, we are filled with the Spirit to be witnesses (Acts 1:8), and being filled helps us walk the straight path.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, didn’t focus on grand emotional experiences or impressive displays of spirituality. Instead, he pointed us to the fruit of the Spirit, saying, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). This ties directly to Romans 8:4, where Paul says, “in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” He further urged, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). Paul understood that our walk—how we live our lives—matters more than just our words. The real need isn’t to talk about the Holy Spirit’s power but to live daily under His control.
Unfortunately, many Christians today are more comfortable discussing the fullness of the Holy Spirit than actually walking in it. We need to learn to walk in the Spirit. Paul gives us a vivid illustration of this in his letter to the Ephesians, where he compares being filled with the Spirit to being drunk with wine. He writes, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). Those who have been drunk before know that one of the first things affected is the ability to walk straight, no matter how hard you try. But when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, walking straight spiritually becomes effortless. We stop relying on our own strength and start walking under the Spirit’s guidance. The Holy Spirit leads us on the straight and narrow path—the path of holiness, purity, and integrity. When He’s in control, our lives naturally exhibit these qualities.
Many start their Christian journey well but don’t finish strong. This often happens because they haven’t learned to draw from the living water of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38). We need to tap into His fullness every day. He empowers us to live as we should, helping us overcome every weakness and challenge in our walk with God. The Holy Spirit is our source of victory, the one who will sustain us to the end, completing the good work He started in us (Phil 1:6).
We are completely dependent on the Holy Spirit for the strength to live the Christian life. This dependence must be daily, involving a continuous recognition of our need for His guidance and strength. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, our walk becomes naturally supernatural—marked by purity, holiness, and a seamless integration of divine influence into our everyday lives. Today, I encourage you to reflect on this: It’s not about how high you’ve jumped spiritually, but whether you’re walking straight. True evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work is seen in our daily conduct and choices. How well we walk in alignment with the Spirit’s guidance reveals much about our understanding of His fullness. The Spirit’s influence should be evident not just in moments of spiritual highs but in our consistent, everyday walk of faith.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk