28^th October

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music in to the Lord in your hearts.”

Ephesians 5:18-19

Part of imitating Christ is knowing what not to do. Ephesians is full of wise council on this subject, yet it is always presented in a way that is not condemning but rather an encouragement to lead us into Godly living. We want to be imitators of Christ in all we do, not only please God but to bring glory to His Name. Furthermore, living a God fearing life brings happiness, joy and freedom rather than the chains of bondage that sinful lifestyles lead to; as today’s verse rightly warns… being drunk on wine only leads to ruined lives.

Paul encourages the church in Ephesus to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is through being filled daily with the Holy Spirit that we can enjoy the fullness of all God has for us and that our lifestyles become more like His. How amazing would it be to see churches world wide, united together by the love of Christ, being filled with the Spirit, ‘singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among’ themselves and individually making music to God in their hearts. It is then that we become a sweet aroma to Christ and to others around us. It is then that people recognise that there is more to life than reckless, sinful lifestyles and reach out for hope.

May we show grace to all those suffering in the enemies grasp. Let us show the same grace to them as we have been shown by Christ Jesus so we can reach out to them in loving kindness. After all, if we are to be imitators of Christ, then that is what He did when He was on the earth.