Yesterday we said that given who we are–Children of the Light–we are to be a light that shines in the ever-pervading worldly darkness. “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:17-18). As we further discussed, we can’t continue in relationships where we can only speak with others in a worldly and evil way. Sometimes we have to shake the dust off our feet (Luke 9:5)  and move on. 

The next portion of this passage we’ve been studying tells us why: “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 5:18b-19). If we stay in relationships with revilers who are speaking hatred from their hearts (Matt 12:34), then we are putting ourselves in the position of putting evil thoughts into our own hearts.

And God’s Word clearly tells us to focus on God-honoring talk and singing, not guttural and evil talk. We are to “walk by the Spirit” so that we don’t carry out the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16). The deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) include “outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [and] factions”, which keep us from walking by the Spirit. 

We’re to let go of our old selves and submit our lives, thoughts and hearts to the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ, so that our lives reflect Him. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Gal 5:22-24)

It is only when we crucify our fleshly desires that we are able to speak “to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19). We have a choice to make daily, we can walk in the Spirit and speak life to one another, or we can sink to the depths from which Jesus has released us. If there are revilers in our lives, we must not allow them to corrupt us (1 Cor 15:33). I choose love and light, and thank You, Jesus for giving me that choice when You broke my chains to sin.