Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an essential part of service and carrying out our mission.  Throughout the new testament, we are commanded to be filled with and led by the Spirit.  As Christians, we desire to be filled with the Spirit, however, we must realize why scripture tells us to be filled with Spirit. 

I think many people ask to be filled with the Spirit simply to enjoy the fruit of the Spirit.  What I think many, including myself, have gotten wrong is the reason for being filled with the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is not the goal but the evidence of and wanting only the fruit is selfish.

Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray and be filled with the Spirit, but he did so for the purpose of emptying himself out.  We too must follow Jesus’ example and withdraw to be filled with the Spirit, but it should be to pour out.  In doing so, we will then be able to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.