Ephesians 5:1-33
…and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. (v. 10) I left this verse as a question last year and still have it as a question this year: How to discern what is pleasing to the Lord? I think we all have it as a basic question in our lives. We do what we do, hoping and praying that what we do is, in fact, pleasing to the Lord. But we also have those bigger questions in mind – what more should I be doing, or what should I be doing differently, or where does God want to take me from here (metaphorically or geographically or both!)?
Look carefully then how you walk … making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (vv. 15-16) Two thoughts here… First, using our time wisely… Ben pointed out in his sermon yesterday how much he valued his time, especially his alone-morning time! I am no different; in fact, one of my greatest treasures in life is my time – I daresay, almost to the point of idolatry. And anytime someone suggests doing something that cuts into my time, my first reaction is often a defense or a rejection of that suggestion. Not good. Second, the days are indeed evil! Need I say more?
Finally, I added some numbers to what I posted below: “Look at what Paul says about Christ and His church: (1) He loved her; (2) He gave Himself up for her; (3) He sanctified her (set her apart); (4) He cleansed her; (5) He presented her to Himself in splendor; and (6) He made her holy and without blemish.” Adding those numbers makes each activity stand out from the rest all the more. Look again at what Jesus has done for His church. Then ask, what is our (global) church doing for Jesus? That’s a good question!
See also: September 9 / Ephesians 5:1-7; September 10 / Ephesians 5:8-14; September 11 / Ephesians 5:15-21; September 12 / Ephesians 5:22-33