Old Testament: 2 Kings 13 & 14
Poetry: Psalm 133
*New Testament: Ephesians 5
What does a Christian look like? The answer to this question is increasingly difficult. In the United States today, many Christians are indiscernible from those who do not subscribe to the same faith. Outside the time spent at church each week, the majority of the week is spent watching the same shows, making the same jokes, engaging in the same relationship, and working the same hours. A handful of hours a week of being different doesn’t make faith. While going to church is better than nothing at all, if the Gospel message is not changing your life, you are wasting your time.
“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.” – Ephesians 5:1
Paul makes the case in Ephesians 5 that we are called to be different. Not people simply filling out your church time card, but an actual dichotomy, a detectable quality that implies a different standard for your life. It isn’t just banning a rated-R comedy, but it is changing the spirit of what you find funny. It isn’t just waiting until marriage to have sex, but it is the constant devotion to your spouse to where your eyes don’t wander. It is working less hours to have time with your family, but a constant belief that God will provide no matter the circumstance. These are core elements, that not only change our input, “well we don’t”, but change our output, making our life distinguishably lived for Christ.
“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. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20
You may think you are living for Christ, but do you really look and sound different? Here is a quick quiz to see if you are on board with what Paul is saying to the Ephesians. While the results here are not conclusive, they should be convicting, challenging us to become more like Christ and less like a Christian in camouflage.
– When people at work talk about a scandalous show, I’m reminded that I missed the last episode.
– Sometimes I let myself or my friends have too many drinks because we’re just having a good time.
– I enjoy a good joke, it doesn’t really matter if it is dirty or clean.
– I only use profanity when I’m around my friends that use it too.
– It doesn’t hurt to look.
– I go to church because it’s really the only time I see my family and friends.
– I just don’t really like worship music; that’s why I don’t listen to it.
– The people around me understand that I don’t always keep my promises.
– I don’t feel like it’s anyone’s business what I do on Saturday night to unwind.
“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.” – Ephesians 5:8-10
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
- In Ephesians 5:10 Paul urges us to “find out what pleases the Lord?” How do you think we can do that best? Do you truly desire to please the Lord?
- Looking at yourself, what do you see that would fall into the PLEASES the LORD category? What do you see that would be outside of this category?
- Are you blending in with the world and missing opportunities to please the Lord and be a witness? Give some specific examples and what you can do differently to make the most of the opportunity instead.
Seek Grow Love 