Ephesians – Belief and Behavior
What’s in style is always at the top of any talk show whose purpose is to tell us what to wear, how to get it all, what to eat, where to eat it, how to put on makeup, what make up to buy, how to smell and be appreciated for doing it all. Whew! What a tall order. All that is mentioned does nothing for our spiritual health as a follower of Christ. Mm.
Let’s see what’s in style for a Christian. Paul tells us what “fits” and what doesn’t fit our style. These words come from God. We remember that as we read this morning…
Ephesians 5, The Message3-4 Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.
Think about it…
–We worry way too much about fitting in and being “in style” in this world. We are not OF this world, friends. As followers of Christ, we are only passing through. For instance I don’t dress as a Floridian just because I’m here. I won’t invest in this style. I’m only passing through. I’m grateful to be here, but it is not home. It is the same with our spiritual lives. We should not invest in the things of this world just so we can fit in, we invest in love, peace, joy, patience, forgiveness, mercy, humility, and grace so we can be “in style” and fit in our forever home with Christ. Yes, we are just passing through this world.
–Gossip maims and often kills spirits for life unless forgiveness intervenes. I have watched gossip kill a church who indulged in this way of life and forgot to help people find and follow Christ. Gossip sucks the life from anyone trying to fit in as they strive to become whole from being hurt. The “taste of gossip” might be tantalizing for a nano second but turns bitter when used as our way to obtain power over someone else who does not know what we think we know. “That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style.”–The very next time someone tries to give you a juicy morsel of gossip, turn the conversation immediately to what is true and right and noble about that person and situation. Love like that.
–Thanksgiving is our dialect. It is what we think and speak. Let us rejoice and be glad! Let’s just praise the Lord, our Father in heaven who is our Creator. Thank Him right now for all He has done, is doing and will do in our lives! Be in style! It’s a spiritual thing. It’s a God-thing.
Dear Heavenly Father,
A few of Your words pack a punch this morning. Thank you for reminding us what is “in style” with You. Thank you for helping us live life to the full with You. Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding our thoughts. Thank you for creating us to praise and worship You. Thank you for real Life because of Your work on the Cross. Continue to transform me. Transform Your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen
