Ephesians 5:19
“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.”
The end of the previous verse said, “Don’t be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.” Today’s verse is a continuance of what to do. This could be incorporated in different ways. I could see how this could be done legalistically, with little heart. It would be drudgery with little joy.
While watching the news years ago, a battle scene was played with footage of islamic soldiers shooting an antiaircraft gun in the air seeking to down a plane. When the soldier would pull the trigger, he simultaneously would shout Allie Achbar multiple times. Which I believe means, “God be praised”. It seemed like a good luck charm. It was clear this is what one did. It didn’t spring from faith. Many religions have similar sayings. Today’s verse could be practiced the same way, out of obligation.
How should this verse look? Our conversations with our christian friends should include God in a sincere way. There may be a lesson learned, a need shared, a praise report spoken and so on.
Some of my friends share a common interest in cars. We go to car shows a couple times a month. Each of us have our favorite type of car. I learn much from them. All of us at that show love cars. It’s a healthy hobby. In a sense we do the same thing that today’s passage encourages, but with cars. I know this could go overboard and could become an idol. I don’t think this is the case with us. Quite the opposite, I think God is pleased with the joy we get out of it. In another sense, it allows us to reach and witness to other car lovers.
Years ago, the movie Chariots of Fire came out. It was about two British olympic runners. One was a christian missionary. His sister was worried about him. As if he was sinning by running in this manner. His response was a blessing to the christian community at that time. He said, “God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure.” I feel that way about cars. I feel God in it. He has led me to particular cars to purchase. He has helped me repair them. It’s a great thing to share with others.
The joy of our faith seeps into our conversation. This is a good witness to nonbelievers. It puts questions in their minds. God uses that to further insert questions. He engineers circumstances to speak to them. Some accept Him, others don’t.
The Word of God is to have a part in our lives. We should read it daily. I Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” God puts an appetite for it in us. Reading it gives us nourishment. The parable of the sower shows us the life of God that it breeds in us.
He is so pleased when we do this. He loves us anyways, but this gives Him an opportunity to work in us and to bless us. Others see and are interested.
To some this is a mystery. They see it as a chore. They haven’t tested it to experience it. He’s real and wants to reach all. John 12:32 says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” Not all accept, but He draws all.
Lord, thank You for Your life that You instill in us. Help us to fill our conversation about You.