How would you describe your “inner dialog”, the thoughts that go through your head as you make decisions? Do you find yourself struggling trying to justify behavior that you know is questionable? Do you spend a lot of time clarifying the line – the line not to be crossed? Do you find yourself making comparisons against others? It can be a struggle.
Jesus demonstrated and shared a completely different way of thinking. Rather than being focused on avoiding “the line”, or justifying dancing on the fence, Jesus lived a life focused on others. And that makes all the difference. A life constantly focused on the chance (even if likely) of failure is missing something. The life lived to serve others steps away from the line, reducing the stress and fear of crossing it or having to justify it.
Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because the sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.
Ephesians 5:1-2Ephesians 5:1-2
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
5 1 Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 ; . Let love be your guide. Christ loved us j us: Some manuscripts have “you.” and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.
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Ephesians tells us to be imitators – to follow God’s example. And God has not left this undefined. He points to Jesus, saying, “See my Son? He gets it. He understands. Do what he does. Get to know his heart.” A relationship with God is not just a checklist of things to avoid. Ephesians, even immediately following these verses, does share a number of things to be avoided and purged from our activities: sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, etc. But the scriptures don’t end there.
Instead of just avoiding the bad, we can follow Jesus example and seek out ways to please God (Ephesians 5:10,17Ephesians 5:10,17
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
10 as you try to please the Lord.
17 Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.
WP-Bible plugin). We must look at every encounter, ever moment as an opportunity to be used for the kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:16Ephesians 5:16
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
16 . These are evil times, so make every minute count.
WP-Bible plugin). We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, developing that rich relationship that empowers us, filling us with songs of thanksgiving to the Father (Ephesians 5:18-20Ephesians 5:18-20
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
18 Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life.
19 . When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart.
20 Always use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to thank God the Father for everything.
WP-Bible plugin). We are to sacrifice ourselves for God’s purpose in our lives (Ephesians 5:2Ephesians 5:2
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
2 ; . Let love be your guide. Christ loved us j us: Some manuscripts have “you.” and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.
WP-Bible plugin). Whether this involves the death of these bodies, or is a willing gift of time, energy or money is different for each of us, each at varying times.
The question before us is whether we will run after God, following Jesus’ example, or will we shirk our call and remain in the place we have been, though we know it isn’t where we need to be. If you hear God’s voice challenging you to step out and follow him, listen and obey. Learn by action what love looks like – real love, the kind that gets dirty in people’s lives and doesn’t fade when times are tough.
Follow Jesus, and leave the line behind.
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