Children
Of Light
Follow God’s example,
therefore, as dearly loved children 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.
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. Nor should there be
obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather
thanksgiving. 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. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such
things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be
partners with them.
For
you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,
righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have
nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It
is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything
exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes
a light. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper, rise
from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then,
how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the
Lord’s will is.
Ephesians
5:1-17
There is a waterfall in
Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You climb it from the ocean and
go up. The rocks are slippery. Water is coming down. To make it safely to the
top, climbers must watch every step. If a person is not careful, he or she can
fall on the journey. The keys to a successful climb are concentration and
caution.
We are told there are
dangers in life, all around us. We should be careful with each step we take.
Our goal is to be “imitators
of God.” As we walk carefully in love we will have the guidance of the Spirit.
If we take that guidance, we can walk in a way that honors God.
As
we trust God to rule our hearts our feet can walk His way.
Our
Daily Bread – June 2, 2014