Spirit Filled?

Dear Victorious,

I hear people talk about being "filled with the Spirit" of God. Quite honestly it sounds like a bunch of charismatic crap. Aren't these people just making that stuff up to make themselves look important? Isn't it just another way for them to be religious? I've been a Christian for years and have never thought of myself as being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Gary C. - Rowlett, TX

Dear Gary,

In the New Testament book of Acts, the Apostle Paul explains that the Holy Spirit is given by God to those who obey Him. So yes, being Spirit-filled is real. People don't just make that stuff up. So if you aren't sure that you're filled with the Holy Spirit, or if you're pretty sure that you're not, you may want to look at your level of obedience to God. Giving His Spirit is a natural reaction on God's part to obedience on our part.