Ephesians 4:25-32
Today’s reading has a number of what are known as “take off, put on” instructions (vv. 25, 28, 29). These verses are so well known by this phrase that just now I typed “take off, put on” into a search engine and today’s verses came up as the first links! (Other later items that came up included clothing, gloves, and masks.) “Take off” sin in your life, and “put on” goodness. Take off lying, stealing, and unwholesome speaking, and put on truth, honest work, and edification. I especially like the “stealing” instructions – it’s not enough to just quit stealing. Paul’s encouragement is to do honest work so that you can be a blessing to others. The movie Les Miserables with Liam Neeson comes to mind. Liam Neeson’s character is a convicted thief out on parole who steals again. But the person from whom he stole forgives him and blesses him with a certain amount of wealth. Neeson’s character then becomes a good guy, a loving owner of a manufacturing plant with hundreds hired and a positive work setting. The movie goes further to show his fully transformed nature. A good movie and a good lesson for us…!
Slava Bohu!