Fools And Drunks

Ephesians 5:15-20

Fools and drunks.  Most of us have known a few of these in our lifetime. Scripture has given us many warnings against becoming either.  Our passage today, from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, speaks of both.  As we read the cautionary message, let’s see what we can learn to apply to our life.

When we go for a walk, it is important to be careful where we step, especially as we get older.  It is always wise to look around, watching our steps so we don’t fall and get hurt. This is an important warning for our spiritual life, as well. Paul tells us to walk circumspectly, which would be walking accurately and precisely, with great care (vs 15). A circumspect walk or life would be a life that avoids the sins and ways of the world. God says that is being wise.  A fool doesn’t watch how he lives. He doesn’t look where he walks, and falls into sin.

In the Bible, a fool is not a fool because he lacks intellectual strength. God doesn’t call someone a fool because they didn’t get good grades in school.  The Bible calls someone a fool because of their unbelief and sinful deeds. A fool is one who lives apart from God and His Word.

A wise person also makes careful use of their time (vs 16).  As believers this is particularly important as the world is increasingly becoming more wicked. When we were young children a year seemed a lifetime. Now, as adults we just turn around and a year has passed.  Life really is short. We need to make the most of our time on earth fulfilling God’s purposes.

In a number of pagan religions intoxicating beverages and drugs were used in attempts to reach their gods.  That has never been the way with Yahweh, the true God. We can never have true communion with God through intoxicating substances, but through the Holy Spirit (vs 18).  Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit when saved. Believers should live continually and consistently under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We can do this by letting Him and His Word control us.  This is done by living pure lives, confessing sin, surrendering to God’s will, and living in conscious presence of the Lord. Just as a drunk is under the influence of the liquor, muddling his mind and controlling his actions, we are to let the Holy Spirit completely control all we say and do.

Being “filled with the Holy Spirit” is not getting more of the Holy Spirit.  We were indwelt by the Holy Spirit in full measure when we were saved.  Being filled with the Spirit means we completely submit to the Lord, and are following and obeying His will (vs 18).  When God prompts us and directs us, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will immediately obey His commands.

Finally, Paul instructs us to let the joy of the Lord in our life so overflow in us that we sing out our praises to God with hymns and spiritual songs (vs 19 - 20). Some of the Old Testament psalms were set to music, and could be sung, as well. Our faith should never be hidden, so let others know of our joy in the Lord through our songs and praises.  Our music, also, should always be godly and uplifting.

The more we praise the Lord the more the devil flees from our presence.  It is the greatest defense against the wiles of the devil. In all we do, let us always thank and praise the Lord with an attitude of gratitude.