“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:1 and 15-21).

If we were really “imitators of God” or if we were truly living lives that were “filled with the Spirit”, what would that look like?

According to Paul in this passage, our lives would be marked by several attitudes and activities.

First, we would have a Godly melody in our hearts. If someone were to hear the “melody” of your life, what would it sound like? Would it be a happy tune, or a funeral dirge? Would it bring a smile to another person’s face, or would they cover their ears?  The fact of the matter is that we pass on what we possess (Ever hear someone whistling or humming a tune only to find yourself humming the same tune later?). Our “song” is contagious, so when you speak to one another, it is important to have something worth sharing. 

A Spirit filled life is also one that is “thankful”. I like the words that Paul uses to describe this thankfulness: “always” and “for everything”. Anyone can be thankful for good things. It takes a different perspective to be thankful for everything and yet, that is what the first century Christians modeled. In circumstances that would cause most of us to throw in the towel, we see people, like Paul, rejoicing (See Philippians 1:12-14 as one good example of this). Thankfulness comes, not because everything is easy or good, but because we are convinced that everything has a purpose in God’s plan (Romans 8:28).  That assurance can help us to see our circumstances from a different perspective.

Lastly, Paul says that we will “submit to one another” or “serve each other”. A Spirit-filled life is focused on people, because it is when we really care about others that we can have the greatest impact.

As Christians, we believe that our faith changes our eternity. However, it also has an impact on how we live every day.

If you could use a new perspective, why not look into what God has to offer?

A life led by the Spirit of God can change everything.