"Let's Get Drunk" (Part 2)

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 5:15-21 NIV).

Yesterday we looked at the need for joy in our homes. Today we come to the second principle Paul cites in our reading. Our homes are to be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. That’s a lesson best learned with experience; and, best taught by example. Many of you know that I grew up in a family owned grocery store. It wasn’t a large business by any means. In fact, in those days we called them a “corner grocery store.” We had a little bit of everything in the store, though we specialized in the meat market. We didn’t have any other employees other than our immediate family, so that meant everybody had something to do all the time. Believe me, I had plenty to do. And, I complained most of the time about the things I was assigned. But there were plenty of perks too. After all, what other kid could come home from school (we lived in the apartment above the store) and get whatever he wanted for a snack? Ice cream, sodas, candy, all of it belonged to my family. I could have anything to eat or drink I wanted. Funny how easy it was to complain about the work and never say thank you for the benefits!

Here’s the point: gratitude promotes harmony. And, it goes both ways. Parents should be grateful for their children in every situation and experience; and, children should be grateful for their parents. I wonder how much collision in the home could be avoided if we simply practiced always giving thanks to God the Father for everything? Do you remember William Cowper from our previous devotional? Let me refresh your memory a bit. He wrote many hymns, the most famous was There is a fountain, filled with blood. He wrote that hymn after being confined in a mental institution for severe depression and anxiety. While confined he read extensively from Romans and Ephesians which led him to the inspirational lyrics of this great hymn. It speaks of the great grace that was provided to us through the cross. It speaks of the redemptive work of God and calls out in the darkness for the light of Christ. It details the fellowship we have now become a part of in Jesus.

Let me make the point clear. If ever there ought to be a place of harmony, it is the home. If ever there ought to be a place of security, it ought to be the home. If ever there ought to be a place of joy, it is the home. You get there by the presence of the Holy Spirit motivating you to gratitude for God, and for each other!