Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from
the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving
thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Ephesians
5:18-20)
Let’s start with terminology. The
NIV uses the term debauchery,
which means excessive
indulgence in sensual pleasures. The New American Standard edition uses the term dissipation, which means the
squandering of money, energy, or resources. I don’t have my Greek resources available, so I
can’t go farther than that at the moment. But suffice to say that if you are
doing something in excess, you are likely squandering money, energy, or resources that
could have been better used to care for (love) others. In fact, if you are
deliberately squandering the money as an alternative to caring for others, you
are hating them. About 40% of criminals claim that they were under the influence
when they committed their crimes. Clearly, drunkenness tends to lead to evil. The
verse doesn’t say not to drink any wine (or alcoholic beverages), but not to
get drunk. It is the getting drunk part that is prohibited.
So, why do people get drunk? According
to The Motivational Model of Alcohol Use,[1] there are four basic reasons:
1) Enhancement (because it’s exciting.),
2) Coping (to forget about my worries),
3) Social (to celebrate), and
4) Conformity (to fit in).
In other words, people drink to feel good or to stop feeling bad in
some way.
Paul’s alternative to getting drunk is to be filled with the Holy Spirit,
and as a result, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs. We’re to
sing and give thanks. So, what are the benefits of singing?
1) Strengthens immune system
2) Is exercise (therefore it strengthens the body)
3) Improves posture (if done right, which strengthens the body)
4) Helps with sleep
5) It’s a natural anti-depressant
6) Lowers stress levels
7) Improves mental alertness
8) Can widen your circle of friends
9) Boosts self-confidence
10) Broadens communication skills
11) Builds appreciation of other singers.
In other words, singing and worshipping enhances our lives, helps us cope, provides
connection to others and celebration, and lets us fit in. And it does it all without the hangover, with
little to no damage to relationships or finances. Whether Paul recognized the
power of singing and worship or was inspired by God to offer it as a better
alternative to drunkenness, it seems that modern science agrees with him that
it is a better alternative.
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