Ephesians 5:18-20

New American Standard Version

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Pastor’s Paraphrase

          You know that you are not to become drunk on intoxicating beverages because to do so only causes you to lose self control and do sinful things you will later deeply regret. What you need to become filled with is the Holy Spirit!

           In your times together, allow the beautiful music of the faith - psalms set to music, the great hymns that endure for generations, and fresh, new songs of praise - to speak to your hearts and encourage you in your devotion to Christ. Use whatever voice God has given you to sing both to and about Him in these times of corporate worship. Play instruments and make music together as an expression of your love for Him.  He is the Author and Creator of the arts and they all belong to Him, so let us use them with heartfelt passion to give Him the praise He deserves!

           In everything that you do and share together, let thankfulness be the constant theme, remembering the goodness that God has shown to us through His Son, our Lord Jesus.

 “How does this help me become more like Him?”

          Music is such a powerful force in almost everyone’s lives.  Even most people who cannot sing or play an instrument love music of some kind.  Music touches our emotions and stirs our spirits.  Whether it is a country band with a steel guitar or a symphony orchestra that fits your own particular tastes, it’s likely that you are moved by music of some kind.  It’s convicting but true that most Christians spend more time listening to music than they do reading the Scripture.

          Since that likely is true in your life and mine, an important thing to examine in our lives is what kind of music we most often listen to and what effect it is having on our inner spirits.  I do not believe it is a sin to listen to secular music.  As long as it doesn’t have a negative spiritual message, we should learn to appreciate beauty in the arts wherever we find it because God created the arts.  However, we cannot deny the power of Christian music to uplift our hearts and enrich our walks with Christ.  No matter what taste you have as far as style of music, I encourage you to listen to music that gives glory to God, shares a testimony of God’s love, or encourages you with a spiritual truth.  We become like Him when our minds and hearts dwell on Him and His truth.  Christian music is a great tool to help us do just that.

“How should I pray for Him to change my life?”

Thank the Lord for the music in your life that touches your heart for Him.  Ask Him to help you hunger for musical expressions of praise and testimony.  Ask Him to draw you closer to Him as you let His music touch your heart.

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