I was reading a devotional this morning and these verses came up. It speaks about improper thoughts and deeds.
I know I can be pretty intense sometimes, when advising my children and others around me. My words can be piercing and rough. I don't mean to be harmful, but when I read verses like these, there is a "fear of God" that is stirred up in my soul.
Ephesians 5:1-13 New International Version (NIV)
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.
These verses are intense. Note the highlighted words.
"there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity, or of greed"
"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place"
"No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."
I think about all that goes on in this world and it seems hopeless to avoid the temptations and influences of the world around us. If you watch any television broadcasted information you are assaulted with all of these yellow highlighted things above.
So, do I stop watching television? Do I stop going to the movies? That might be necessary, if it is causing you to sin. We might want to ask ourselves, "Does this please the Lord?" If not, we should head what the apostle Paul is warning us about. "7 Therefore do not be partners with them."
Does my mouth, the words that come out of it, honor and demonstrate the life of God that lives in me? If not, I may need to look more closely at my thoughts and behavior. They need to be exposed to the light of God so I can see clearly what pleases Him.
Friends, I am no different than you in letting my guard down and calling it relaxing. I can go there as quickly as any other person can. But what am I going to do about that? Am I going to continue to offend the Lord of my life and keep doing what displeases Him?
I need daily reminders of what God is asking me to do, how to live a pleasing and righteous life. I need the grace God has for me every day so that I can walk and function in His Spirit. I need the illumination of His written word to judge my thoughts and deeds. I need the kind and exhorting words of my friends and family to help me see what is true and honoring.
What about you? What are you going to do with this post? Will it affect you to look closer at what God expects and change you behavior? If so, my prayers are for you to be filled with the Spirit of the living God and strengthened in your inner man.
If you are not influenced by my words or the words of Paul, then you may want to read this post again. Open up Ephesians 5 and read it again, pray God will enlighten your mind and the eyes of your understanding.
May you be blessed and moved to actions that change your thoughts and deeds, to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Doug
