18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:18-21)
Ephesians 5 is all about action…about taking the things we know in Christ and putting them into daily practice. Paul tells us to “walk in love” (5:2), to “walk as children of light” (5:8), and to “walk” in wisdom (5:15). In other words, each day take specific action to show love to others, to avoid sin and live openly for Christ, and to make wise choices, taking advantage of the opportunities you have.
So how do you do all that…especially when you don’t feel like it? By being filled with the Spirit.
The Spirit is our source of power to live the Christian life. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you… (Acts 1:8a). He is the Energizer that helps keep us going and going and going. Yeah, I am thinking of the bunny commercial but it seems to apply here.
For me the next question is, “Well, then how do I get filled with the Spirit? How do I tap into His power?”
The simple answer is by yielding to God each day (and not to an addictive substance, Paul would add). By asking to be filled. By starting each day with the heartfelt prayer, “Lord, I give today to You. Give me Your strength to show love, to avoid sin, and to live wisely.”
But I think these verses also give us other actions to pursue in order to be filled with God’s Spirit. The participles that follow–speaking, singing, making melody, giving thanks, and submitting–can be seen as actions that result from being filled with the Spirit or as actions that accompany being filled with the Spirit. I take the latter view. In other words, our part is to pursue these actions and God’s part is to fill us with His Spirit as we do.
So how can I be filled with the Spirit today?
By starting to sing a praise song in my heart and then encouraging others with the truths of that song. Music and praise are tied to the Spirit. Just like David in the Psalms, sometimes we have to praise our way out of the pits of life (e.g., Psalm 13). And I shouldn’t stop at just singing in my heart but rather I should speak those songs out loud to others…or like David, write them out so that others can be encouraged.
By finding reasons to give thanks. Instead of focusing on the problems of life, I should focus on the power and provision of God. Like Peter walking on water, we can either focus on Jesus or on the stormy waves around us. Giving thanks trains my heart to remember that every breath is a gift from God, that I deserve nothing but death but God has given me life in Jesus Christ. One of our 5:16 verses reminds us of the importance of daily thanksgiving, 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) One helpful exercise is to take the letters A-Z and write down one thing you can be thankful for beginning with each letter.
By submitting to others with an attitude of humility and love. Earlier in Ephesians, Paul said, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (4:3). The Spirit is the One who unifies us. Thus, being filled with Spirit will always involve a change in our relationships. The Spirit will move us toward love, toward keeping the Great Commandment, toward submitting our will for the benefit of others, toward serving others.
Thus, as I begin to sing, give thanks, and love/serve others, the Spirit fills me and gives me power to keep doing more of the same. This is the Spirit-filled life.
Lord, fill me with Your Spirit! Put a song in my heart this morning. Remind me of my blessings. And give me power to step out in faith and encourage and serve others today.
