'Keep Singing' by Ann Harrison

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I have always enjoyed the late Dr Michael Mosley's TV programmes and radio broadcasts, where he encouraged us to make healthy changes to our lifestyles in an approachable, warm and encouraging way.

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I particularly enjoyed his series 'Just One Thing' where he introduced a number of simple lifestyle changes both expected and surprising that can make a difference to our physical and mental health. It is no surprise that singing is one of those things; He suggests that you can sing anywhere!

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So for us, maybe in a band or choir, with others at church, or on our own in the kitchen singing along to the radio.

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I was reminded of this when reading Paul's letter to the Ephesians where he provides advice and guidance to the church on how to live a fruitful holy Christian life, and to function effectively as the living body of Christ on earth. Paul urges the Ephesians not to get drunk. We imaging that Paul did not have anything against wine in principle, but drinking in excess could mean losing opportunities to serve and glorify God.

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Despite this, Paul encourages them (and us) to celebrate, but instead of doing so by drinking copious amounts of wine, he urges us to be filled with the spirit and sing. To 'be filled with the spirit as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'.

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This passage and others in the Bible show that singing is an important part of Christian worship, enabling us to celebrate and give thanks to God as well as improving our physical and mental health.

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To coin a phrase, 'Keep Singing!'

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References

• Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)

• 'Just One Thing': How simple changes can transform your life. By Dr Michael Mosley. (Short Books 2022)