I have always loved building houses. My wife Pam and I, over the course of our marriage, have lived in two houses that we’ve built. Working with our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, we’ve also built several other houses. All of these houses were very different, but they all had brand new wiring; they all had brand new appliances; they all had brand new lighting fixtures. Even with all of the new wiring, appliances and light fixtures, nothing electrical would work if there was no electrical power to the house. Our lives with God won't work either if there's no power source. Today's passage, though sometimes misunderstood and misapplied, explains in no uncertain terms God’s Power Source:

Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. (Ephesians 5:18-19)

We often hear today's passage as a negative statement, a warning against substance abuse. "Don't get drunk! Don't use drugs!" Of course, that's part of the passage, but it isn't the main point. Christianity is often equated with telling people what not to do but that's not what following Jesus is all about; it's about what God in Christ has already done for us. In this passage, Paul is giving us positive encouragement to always be filled with the Spirit. This is how God provides power for living the life He has prepared for us. When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, He told us to do things that we cannot do without His help. Don't lust in your heart. Don't resist an evil person. If someone slaps your right cheek, offer them your left cheek. If someone wants your shirt, give them your coat, as well. Love your enemies. Rejoice and be glad when people insult you, persecute you and lie about you because of your relationship with God. What's the key to doing these impossible things? It's found in today's passage: "Be filled with the Spirit." Once is not enough; you and I must constantly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit who gives us power to live our lives for Jesus. It's the Holy Spirit who gives us joy when we serve Him.

You and I can do these things with, and only with, the power of the Spirit...and that's such very Good News!