A couple weeks back, I had been reading through Ephesians. This isn’t the first time I have read through this book of the Bible, but you know how sometimes you read without really READING.
This time as I was reading through Ephesians, God kept opening my eyes to the words that were written. There are tons of good things in this book, but I had to sit for quite some time in just one area. In Ephesians chapter 4:17-5:20 talks about the instructions for Christian living.
I am quite positive throughout the course of my life I have heard this preached on more than once, and read through it definitely more than once.
It talks about putting off our old selves, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires. To put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
In chapter 4 vs.27 it says, “and do not give the devil a foothold.”
And in the same chapter, verse 29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Then I read chapter 5 and it hit me, I was wrecked.
5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
I started thinking what would happen if we ACTUALLY took what the Bible said seriously. You guys, it is so clear. It says not even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity. This means so much more than not having sex before marriage. If we do not want even a hint, then this does relate to EVERYTHING.
Is what I watch on TV impure? Is the music I listen to impure? In relationships am I seeing how close I can get to the line I shouldn’t cross, or am I running in the opposite direction?
It is clear about foolish talk and coarse joking in this passage, but rather instead, our talk should be based out of thanksgiving. How often do we waste our words on ridiculous talk, or by saying things that hurt?
What about in James 1: 27
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
It doesn’t say if you feel led to adopt, foster care, sponsor a child, or care for orphans. It says this is what God our Father accepts as pure and faultless. To look after orphans and widows in their distress. To me that doesn’t sound optional. That means we should ALL be doing SOMETHING.
I think a scripture we all largely struggle with, and try to change/figure out what Jesus “really meant”. The scripture that talks about selling all we have to the poor and following Christ.
This isn’t something we like to hear. We are sure Jesus didn’t actually mean it. This is something I am not sure myself either. But what if he did, what if God actually did tell you to sell it all? Would you do it? Do you trust that God would provide? I know that for myself I do not know how to answer that yet. That is honestly a tough one.
These are just a few examples, but I encourage you to dive into scripture for yourself. Before you start reading, ask God to reveal new things to you while reading.
As I have been reading more and more of the Bible, and trying to really study what God is saying to me, God started convicting me of certain things.
I know I have an amazing family. I know they are rooted in Jesus. They have always supported me, and just always have had my best interests at heart.
God started asking me, am I relying on my family for my strength and encouragement or am I relying on Christ.
I realized this was a serious problem, when something big happens or I am upset. I want to text them or call them and talk it over with them. I am half a world away and I would jump through hoops to get wifi to call before I would even pray about the situation.
So, I decided to be obedient to a lot of things. I have had to take huge steps to cut back on how much I talk with my parents. I have stopped watching some of my favorite TV shows because I know that there is nothing honoring to God in them. I haven’t had a drink of alcohol in 6 months.
I know there is SO MUCH I don’t understand, but my constant prayer is: If this isn’t of you Jesus I don’t want any of it, but if this is of You, then you can bet this is what I want. So keep convicting me.
I am in a point of my life where I am learning what it means to be set apart. To be in this world, but not of this world. I am learning how to be set apart, and still always living in love. Loving people for where they are, because I most definitely have not always been where I am today.
