Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
This is an interesting passage, with its comments on the possibility of evil days, and of wine drinking debauchery. However, these comments emphasise the difference between living in the ways of this world, and living in God’s way.
Some of what is written helps to bring home the contrasts. Living as people who are wise, rather than unwise, takes time and energy and thoughtfulness. It’s not a matter of just making quick comments about what we might think and say in each moment, as so often seems to be the norm in today’s world. It’s more a matter of taking time to reflect on the meaning of life and how we understand life as God’s gift. This isn’t always easy and straightforward and involves careful listening to one another and to what God is saying to us, day by day. The promise is that we can be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit fills us with truth and helps to transform our lives, even when we’re amid the most difficult of struggles. We are not in this life on our own. God is there to support and sustain us, whatever might come our way.
And the result of this is being able both to sing and make melody and give thanks.
There are times when I find myself out on my own for a walk through God’s gift of creation and am so moved with thanksgiving when I look around, that I end up offering a song out loud to God. (but only if there’s no one else around!)
Being able to give thanks can be easy when things are going well. But often there are so many challenges that the world offers. This passage reinforces the way in which God is always present and how, by keeping our eyes open to God, we can be uplifted by God and receive God’s redeeming love, whatever else might be happening in our lives.
Prayer
Loving and redeeming God,
Help us to grow in the wisdom that is your gift to us.
Grant us the time that we need
to think and reflect and pray.
Fill us with your Spirit,
even in the most difficult of times.
Open our eyes to see your continual presence in our midst.
Open our mouths to sing your praise.
Amen
