01/09/09

EPHESIANS 5:1-7 NIV


1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life 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 man 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.

Let us be imitators of God because God has forgiven us. We should be living a life of love. Think of the things listed in Verse 3...."not even a hint...because these are improper for God's holy people." These things can happen if we are not in constant prayer or in the Word. Many times we can sit at work and someone will send us an email of a nasty joke or something that is "foolish talk" and we laugh or even send it off to other friends. How many times have you heard people kidding around and saying "well if I go to hell, I'll have lots of friends there" and they laugh about it? What foolish talk!! Be careful what you say and watch what you are doing at work, home and other places you visit because people are watching you. This is very good advice here - that you shouldn't be "partners" with them. We don't want to be children of disobedience. We want to be like Jesus! We now walk in light so let's show it. By walking in the light, we are showing what is acceptable to God. Let us carefully choose (ahh there's that word again) our friends and people that we hang around with. The people who we chose to be around and the words that we speak out of our mouths, reveal our true hearts. So be very careful. I want my heart to reveal Jesus! I want Him to know that I love Him more than anything. Of course I want to do whatever He wants me too; even if it means that I might not be accepted in certain circles. Luv ya all and remember to stay in God's Word!!