June 22
“Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God,” Ephesians 5:17-21.
In the words quoted above, the apostle continues to discuss the subject of Christian behavior, and encourages Christians to live as the children of light. We have been called out of spiritual darkness and have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel. He says, “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” By word and deed, let it be known that we know what the will of the Lord is as it is revealed in the written Word of God.
The apostle gave the same admonition to the Colossian Christians: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one,” Colossians 4:5-6. We should let our light shine to “those who are outside.” We should witness to the non-Christians, as Jesus admonishes us in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5:14-16.
Paul cautions the Ephesians against excessive drinking of wine or any alcoholic beverages. Words of wisdom and understanding do not come out of the mouths of people who have drunk alcoholic beverages excessively. They cannot think or speak clearly. To have a clear mind and a clean mouth, “be filled with the Spirit.” Be guided by the Word of God as it is revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Bible.
The apostle proceeds with a beautiful picture of how Christians should carry on a conversation and associate with others: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” He directs us to the Book of Psalms, the Songbook of the Bible. He is emphasizing the importance of music and singing as a means for witnessing to others. Our liturgy and our hymns are very important in our worship services. Both the music and the words should be given special attention.
Speaking about music, Dr. Luther said that music was a gift from God. He said that music drives away the devil and makes people cheerful. It can keep people from sinning. He said that he placed music next to theology. Of course, Luther was speaking about Christian music.
With our music, let us thank God for all His blessings. Let us sing of our salvation and glorify our Savior Jesus Christ. God’s love, grace, and forgiveness revealed in the sending of His Son to be our Savior from sin, death, and the devil should put a song in our hearts and on our lips and send us on our way rejoicing! Begin the day with singing praise to God, from whom all blessings flow!
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O, my soul, praise Him, for He is thy Health and Salvation!
Join the full throng; Wake, harp and psalter and song,
Sound forth in glad adoration!
Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.” Amen.