by Howard Whittlesey
Synopsis: Ponder Paul's admonition, "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:18-19).
God’s inspiration of the apostle Paul was wondrous indeed. A diligent study of his writings will lead one to appreciate his organization as he shared God’s wisdom. Among the plethora of examples, none provides more proof than Paul’s instruction to the Ephesian congregation in chapter 5 of his epistle thereto. Here, it’s as simple as “one, two, three.”
In verse 18, Paul instructs the entire congregation as to the alternative to being drunk with wine. He said, “but be filled with the Spirit.” “But” introduces the alternative. This takes the next three verses to gather all of its content. Each verse supplies an actualization of being filled with the Spirit.
Verse 19 says, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” You’ve heard untold numbers of Christians say, “Oh, I don’t sing; I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.” Right? Supposedly, this serves to excuse one from actualizing the instruction. What do you find in this verse that even hints at such an excuse, or dismissal from the responsibility? That child of God sounds sort of like the one-talent man, does he not? Might the Lord’s reaction to the non-singer be at all similar to that of the one-talent man?
The point of the instruction is to “sing with the spirit and with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15). The thrust of each Christian’s participation is to instruct, inform, and partake in such a way as to bring about an inseparable collective bond of the congregation. Each member does everything they do together—unto unity. It’s not up to the accomplished musicians only. Everyone does what it takes to attain unto a oneness that is decisively evident. Each member is indescribably encouraged and empowered. The preacher is thereby motivated to do his work effectively. It defies human comprehension, and, best of all, it glorifies God.
Verse 20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul began I Corinthians 14:15 by saying, “I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also.” So now, we understand just what to pray for—“all things.” Someone says, “You mean—ALL things—like good and bad—small, medium, and large?” You name it—you betcha! Whatever confronts us—or eludes us—any time, any day, is orchestrated (or allowed) by the love of God. Does the potter do only things that are convenient to his clay? Does he not cut, peal, break, even destroy and start all over again? The music composer does similarly until he has a finished product which he feels is fit for presentation. Thus, as one prays, he can acknowledge that all the events of a day are in place to make him fit for the eternal kingdom with the Master Potter. Even trials like those that beset Job bring blessings for those who persevere in faith. Is that not thankworthy by every last one of us who is loved beyond measure?
Paul gives us another instruction in verse 21: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Brother Charlie Blue asks, “For what do I need to submit to any of the members?” Good question! Answer: Charlie, are you self-sufficient? Can you do everything that needs to be done with (and for) the congregation? Can you do it whenever, wherever, and for whomever it is needed? Charlie says, “Well, of course not.” Such is true of every member, including you and me. The congregation is a team. The team members play different roles (“positions”) based on their expertise and talents—“every man according to his several ability” (Matt. 25:15). The MVP has every team member to thank for all that made it possible to receive his award and recognition. (Let’s not forget to acknowledge our “Coach”—our Lord.) So, Charlie Blue, here’s the story. You submit to the one from whom you need help, information, or service. Then Sam Hill submits to you for the same reason. Thus, the congregation can amass finished products that complete jobs, missions, and tasks, all of which reflect divine light and love right back to God who gave it.
Let’s observe one last element of this momentous teaching of the great apostle. Have you noticed the “ing” endings in each of our verses (19-21)? The “ing” makes the verb progressive, which means that we must keep on doing what we’re doing. Remember the potter? He kept on doing and re-doing unto a precision that was impeccable. Whoa! When does the church member ever hear that word regarding the interaction with other members in the above admonitions? This writer would ask, “Why not?” Should we not do all that we do with the spirit and with the understanding? Would increased spirituality and understanding not upgrade the frequency and/or quality of our efforts? Do you remember what church it was that was told, “Thou hast left thy first love”? It was Ephesus. In Revelation 2:5, Jesus, through the pen of John, demanded of the Ephesians, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” Their first love likely incorporated diligence, graciousness, joy, and—yes, even pleasure.
So, God’s inspiration and Paul’s writings are still wondrous and demand diligence and steadfastness unto eternity. Is your singing, praying, and your submitting progressive and continuous? By the way, if you have to carry your “tune in a bucket,” carry it with love and thanksgiving, with or without a lid. What would be wrong with the quality of your efforts becoming increasingly impeccable? How would you rate God’s provision for your needs? Before you answer that question, check out 1 Corinthians 4:7.
Remember your “first works” right after your wedding? Were they not rather refreshing, joyous, and qualitative? If your singing, praying, and submitting are impeccable, continue repeat—“ing.” If one or all need improvement, keep work—“ing.”
This writer’s cub scout pack—way back in childhood—chanted this saying: “Good, better, best—Never let it rest—until your good is better and your better is best.” Brethren, do thou likewise.
