Ephesians 5:18-21 - Walk In Harmony

Paulbegins this section with a command: “Be filled with the Spirit.” Thiscommand is for every believer, not just a select few. It is written in thepresent tense, meaning “keep on being filled,” reminding us that this is not aone-time experience, but a daily, ongoing relationship with the Spirit. And itis passive—we do not fill ourselves. We yield ourselves so that the Spirit mayfill us. To be filled with the Spirit does not mean receiving more of theSpirit, but allowing the Spirit to have more of us. In Scripture, to be“filled” means to be controlled by. Just as people can be filled with anger orenvy—meaning controlled by those emotions—being filled with the Spirit meansthat He controls our minds, our emotions, and our wills, all which determineour actions. Whena person trusts Christ, he is immediately baptized by the Spirit into the bodyof Christ. That is a once-for-all experience that happens at salvation. But thefilling of the Spirit is different. It is repeated, ongoing, and necessary fordaily living. The baptism of the Spirit means I belong to Christ’s body. Thefilling of the Spirit means my body belongs to Christ. We often think of theSpirit’s power as something we need only for preaching or witnessing—and thatis true—but Paul shows us that the Spirit’s fullness is just as necessary inthe home. If our homes are to reflect heaven, then our lives must be controlledby the Holy Spirit. Inverses 19-21, Paul then gives us three clear evidences of a Spirit-filled life,especially as it relates to relationships. First, a Spirit-filled believer isjoyful. Verse 19 speaks of worship, praise, and melody in the heart. Joy is notdependent on circumstances—it flows from a heart controlled by the Spirit. Second,a Spirit-filled believer is thankful. Verse 20 tells us to give thanks alwaysfor all things to God. Gratitude transforms relationships. Complaining divides,but thanksgiving unites.  Yearsago, I came across something that I believe truly helped me to be thankful person.If I always remember that I am a sinner that deserves hell and the wrath of Godand I don’t deserve anyone to kind are nice to me and that I should expect justthe opposite, when someone is nice to me, or gives to me, because I didn’t deserveit or expect it, I immediately and genuinely feel very grateful and thankfuland want to express that attitude to both the Lord and whoever is sharing theirgift of generosity or kindness to me. Only as the Holy Spirit is in control ofmy life makes this possible.  Third,and most emphasized in this passage, a Spirit-filled believer is submissive.Verse 21 introduces the idea of submitting to one another in the fear of God,and Paul then applies this submission to marriage. Wives are called to lovinglysubmit to their husbands, and husbands are commanded to love their wivessacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. This is not about dominance orinequality—it is about Spirit-controlled love and mutual responsibility. Whenboth husband and wife are filled with the Spirit, harmony becomes possible. Thesame principle will later be applied to parents and children, and to servantsand masters. In every relationship, the key is the same: Spirit-filled living.Pauldoes not mention miracles, tongues, or dramatic signs as proof of spiritualfullness. Instead, he points us to everyday attitudes—joy, gratitude, andsubmission. When these are present, the home begins to reflect heaven on earth.The unity Paul described earlier in Ephesians must now be lived out at home.When each family member yields to the Spirit, relationships are transformed,and God’s design for harmony becomes reality. MayGod help each of us to be continually filled with the Spirit, so that our homesand all of our relationships might reflect His peace, His love, and His glory. Godbless you, and I trust you have a wonderful, wonderful day.