Doorway to Recovery is now a faith based program. While we do not force anybody to believe anything, but we promote healing and recovery through the power of Jesus Christ, and encourage and love others the way Christ instructs us to love each other. With that being said, I would like to talk today about Ephesians 5:18, which definitely offers a straightforward solution to those struggling with alcoholism. Let’s take a look at what exactly it says…
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,”
Ephesians 5:18
N.A.S.B.
(OTHER TRANSLATIONS)
Before we get into this, let’s get ourselves into the context of Ephesians. Paul is in prison, sometime between 60-62 A.D. This book was written to encourage believers to walk the walk that Christians are called to walk…
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
Imitators of God… What is so special about this? I can certainly remember a time when I was an imitator of man… in all man’s sinful ways. Sin had an appeal to it, and I was hooked. That is before God’s great grace came into my life and rescued me from that past life. I am not saying that I’m not tempted to imitate man, nor am I saying that I do not attempt to do so from time to time, but what I am saying is that I know the difference today. Paul Continues to go deeper into this topic:
“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
Ephesians 5:3-5
Ouch! That really hits hard! Paul really convicts when he writes! God is truly our redeemer and how many times have we done, said, or acted things that do not show God’s presence in us? I am not speaking for anyone else but myself, but I do have a feeling that I’m not the only one who feels this way.
“Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are the Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”
Ephesians 5:7-13
It just keeps convicting me, in myself, and in the process of helping others through their recovery journey. Quite often men and women who have been living in active addictions do things that are described as “unfruitful deeds of darkness” Ephesians 5:11 It is our job, first as Christians, but secondly as family, friends, and of course mentors, to expose these activities that are a hindrance not only to life itself, but the whole recovery process as well. Recovery is a process that is thoroughly honest, and quite often deeds that are done by people in recovery are not thoroughly honest or righteous, and it is right for them to be brought to the surface, or to have a light shined on them.
Let’s get back to the central point of this blog…
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”
Ephesians 5:15-21
Wow, those verses sum up the mission of Doorway to Recovery, and sum up the recovery process in general. “Be careful how you walk” Ephesians 5:15 is similar to step 10 – continuing to take personal inventory, “…the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16 reminds me why Doorway to Recovery takes an active stance on keeping individuals busy, through work search, volunteering, and other activities; the days are truly evil, and it’s best to be occupied than to get caught victim of them. And the most recovery focused verse says, “… do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18, and this is really straight forward that you may be filled with either wine (in the aspect of drunkenness) or with the Spirit, so why choose the one that takes away from your life… Choose the one that fills your life and brings good fruit.
Thank you very much for reading this. If you have any comments, you are invited to do so below. From Doorway to Recovery’s Office in Farmington Hills, MI, have a blessed day everybody!