The Opposite of Being Drunk Is Not Being Sober

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The problem of breaking up a letter like Ephesians into bite-sized portions is that it’s then easy on any particular day to lose sight of a broader theme or topic. In today’s passage, Paul is continuing to contrast the old life versus the new life, the flesh vs. the Spirit, the present age vs. the age to come.

Today’s Ephesians reading: Ephesians 5:15-21

 
 

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.

 
 

First contrast: between wisdom and foolishness.

When Paul says, “the days are evil” what he means is that the world is still lumbering along in the present evil age, but followers of Jesus should “make the most of every opportunity” to live into the reality of the new age to come. It would be foolish to live therefore like everyone else, and wise to live like Jesus—and living like Jesus is his will for you anyway.

 
 

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.

 
 

Here is another contrast:

  • Being drunk, i.e., being under the influence of alcohol;

  • Or being filled by the Spirit, i.e., being under the influence of the Spirit.

So, the opposite of being drunk is not being sober; the opposite of being drunk is being led by the Spirit.

Paul seems to take it for granted that you and I will be under the influence of something. The question is, What, or Who?

I like how Paul describes what life in the Spirit will be like:

  • your very speech will be influenced by the words and songs of the Bible;

  • you will be constantly “singing” praise to God;

  • And you’ll be reflexively grateful.

And, of course, in the paradox of the Kingdom, those actions are both the signs of being filled and led by the Spirit and the way to be filled and led by the Spirit.

Try it today.