Submission at its Best

"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 5:19-21

Oh sweet submission. Everyone loves the opportunity.  I was reading this passage this morning and I really like several things:

One: I love verse 19 because it really gives me an excuse to burst into random song whenever I feel like.  Life really can be a musical.  And now I have my backing.  So the next time you ask me what I am doing and I burst into song to answer you, don't give me that look. It is in the Bible.  What is really interesting is that it says to speak with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  All lyrics and words that seek after God, praise God, turn to God, lift up God's name, burden God and trust Him.  Pretty cool that we should be speaking to another in such a way.  Also the "sing and make music in your heart to the Lord" part is pretty awesome.  If there is always a song or constant beginnings of one in my heart that is specifically for God, where would there be room for lies, doubts, and fear???  Because God is not a God of any of those.  Kind of ties in with Proverbs 4:23.  I definately want my wellspring to be more life-giving.

Two: If I am speaking to others with everything that seeks, praises, turns to God and I am also beginning and continuing music in my heart that belongs to God then naturally I can always thank God. For something. Anything. Everything.  Even in those times where things seem horrible and cold.  I can still be thankful.  I know that practicing verse 19 daily allows me to commit to a Savior and thank Him daily as well.  It's not like everyday someone dies for your sins.  It happened once and the power of His blood should not go unnoticed.

Three: If I follow God's Word (His Word that is Living and Active to this very day) and make it a purpose (instead of a feeling because those are fleeting) to carry out 19 and 20 of Ephesians 5, then what more can I casually and freely do but surrender? To submit? To put someone else's needs above my own?  And not for something in return.  But because I have a desire to follow in my Master's footsteps and bring life and love to the people around me.