Being filled with the Spirit requires not just a matter of emotion or human effort, but of surrender, allowing the Holy Spirit to take control so that what flows from us reflects His will rather than just our skill. In Acts 6 and 7 we see how ordinary believers, chosen for practical service, became instruments for extraordinary purposes when they were full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. When we trust God's leading and obey even in small tasks, He often expands His work through us far beyond what we plan, providing what is needed and directing events for His glory.
Christians are called to freedom, which is found not by indulging our sinful nature, but by choosing to walk by the Spirit. This continuous process of being filled with the Spirit has tangible results in our lives. It leads us to find our unique place of service within the body of Christ, helps us discover and operate in our spiritual gifts, and produces the profound joy of the Lord. This Spirit-given joy becomes our strength, enabling us to persevere through all circumstances and participate fruitfully in God's kingdom work.
All four Gospels record the extravagant and costly Service of Mary to Jesus when she anointed his feet with costly ointment for His upcoming burial. It was by her a prophetic act. Jesus insists that the story is to be heard everywhere the Gospel message is given. Genuine Christian service flows from a heart transformed by Jesus Christ. While many churches emphasise activity and programmes, true discipleship begins with sitting at the Lord's feet and learning from Him, as Mary did. Her costly offering of perfume presents a powerful pattern - she served extravagantly because she loved deeply, having experienced Christ's life-changing power in His raising her brother Lazarus from the grave. The Lord desires this same depth of relationship with all His followers, where service springs naturally from a heart of gratitude and love. Theologically, we should always keep the Gospel together with the call that discipleship makes for us to serve. The Gospel works both to turn people into disciples and to motivate their service.

