Lord, Light, & Love


Most of the next chapter in Ephesians, chapter 5 continues and concludes the bit on "Living as Children of Light." As touched upon in the previous post, Paul kicks off the chapter by saying "be imitators of Christ." When we have a role model, we want to be like them, do what they do, say what they say, and we should have the same mentality with Christ, to grow to be Christlike, following his every move. Paul also notes to live a life of love, as a living sacrifice. God doesnt just show love, he himself is love. Sacrifice is also the greatest way to show love, just as Jesus did. Therefore, Paul's two final notes are simply rooted in love. We are called to love, its the greatest commandment.

With these reminders, Paul also comes with rebuke. Just as he did in chapter 4, he tells us of the things we should not do, that are not pleasing and holy to God. But as you read verse 3, the severity of these two sins seem to be very significant. He strictly tells us to know that those who have sexual immorality and greed will not inherit the kingdom of God. He tells us not to have a hint, not even a bit of it. Now, all sins are equal and all result in eternal doom and punishment, but I think Paul directs these two issues so strongly because they are very self-oriented. One may want to satisfy their own desires and pleasures. Greed is all about themselves. This is ultimately idolatry, and even back in the Old Testament, idolatry is listed several times in Exodus, even in the ten commandments, idolatry is rooted in many of the commandments.

Now that we are changed, a new creation in the Lord, we are called to live in and as light, to bear good fruit and a great way to start is to expose the evil darknesses in yourself. We all sin, and especially when we do it in secret, it is hindering us from being more and more Christlike. God has given us a community, so let us use it to be vulnerable and be accountable for each other. Like it says, let us "wake up and rise from the" death we have in sin and be filled with Christ (v.14).
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
When I read these two verses, I immediately thought of YOLO. But in this context, it is to push yourself out of your comfort zone, making each day a sacrifice and commitment to glorify God in anything and everything you. To make the most of every opportunity to love others, and bring fame to God's name.

Submission is a big component of living a Christ-oriented life. We have to learn to submit our lives, our everything to God. Let him take control of your life, realize that you are nothing without Him. And as Paul introduces the topic of submission, he links it with the idea of husband and wife, how they are to submit to one another, how Christ is similar to the bride and how we must submit, love, and cherish it.

Living for God and like God takes a lifelong to develop. What areas are you weaker in and need to work on?

verse of the day: Ephesians 5:14

14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

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