Living in the Power of the Energy Drink

Over the past while I have become very acquanted with the energy drink, particularly BPM but also Lucozade Alert, redbull and anything else that promises a quick filling of energy (coffee has also become a favoured drink).

Many days I'll begin with a strong cup of coffee and then depending on how I feel I may drink BPM then more coffee and so on! A particularly delightful moment for BPM is when we're filling a container at work and I need energy!

But it's not really the best, our bodies are designed to function fully on sleep, good food and exercise. Take any or all of these out of the mix and BANG - you need the energy drink. For me BPM has become a symptom of what is lacking else where (namely sleep).

But as I've been considering Acts 2 over the past couple of weeks, preparing for Sunday it occured to me that there are certian illustrations that can be drawn from the Energy drink. (Now I'm not saying that the Spirit is like a drink - rather that the drink points to something far greater).

o The energy drink is needed because we need strength - The Holy Spirit is given to empower us for ministry

o The energy drink is needed when we neglect the proper and natural uses of sleep, food & exercise - The Holy Spirit is needed because apart from Christ we can do nothing of lasting value for His kingdom

o When I drink a few energy drinks I'm working/functioning in the energy that it gives me not my own - We are to walk, live, pray, put to death sin, be sanctified and access God by the empowering of the Spirit and not merely to do these in the flesh!

o When the energy drink wears off there's a major 'down' - When we grieve the Spirit or begin to choose the flesh rather than to live in Him, when we sin against Christ rather than being led by the Spirit there is a major DOWN as we feel guilt, failure and the consequences of sin's seperating us from that close walk and unity that is found in the Spirit, as well as feeling powerless and unworthy for ministry.

Anyway, these are a few rambling thoughts on this that probably would have been better left in my mind.
As for now, Jacob is starting to wake after his morning nap and my eyes are closing so it's time for more coffee!