“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:8‑20 (NIV)
So as you think about these verses from Ephesians consider; one, it’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you like a map program in your car, giving you the guidance that you need. And two, it’s Christ’s way of witnessing to the world through how you live. This is what Jesus is getting to when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.” Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV)
Paul gives three, very helpful examples for us to see what it’s like when the Holy Spirit is guiding us as we walk with the Lord.
- It’s going to affect the way that we talk to others. The text says, “addressing one another.” Our God can change the way that we speak to others. It’s a powerful promise that we can trust God for. God gives us peace and love to speak to each other in ways and words that come from His Spirit. So, if you’re challenged in this area, personally or perhaps with the family situation that you’re in, take heart, the Lord wants to help you. The Lord understands who you are and the situation that you’re in, but He also wants to speak into that situation, if you’ll let Him. Here’s a video that shows one man’s dealing with speaking to others: Leave_a_Legacy.mp4
- The Spirit changes the way that we talk to ourselves, “singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Singing praise to God makes you strong in faith. “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love” (Psalm 59:17, ESV).
- Then, with that in mind, the guidance of the Holy Spirit speaking to us affects the way we talk to God. The text says, “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that God in Christ has made a most amazing promise to believers? Jesus said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself” (Matthew 6:34, CEV). The reason why Jesus could say this is because He is Lord of all. We give thanks, because we trust God. He will keep us and His Spirit will strengthen our character because He is love.