Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 are full of instruction for Christian living. Paul begins this portion of his letter urging us to live a life worth of the calling. And then tells us how: be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearting with one another in love. He goes on to talk about unity in the body and growing in Christ. But I want to skip down to verses 25 through 32. I love the way he has instructed us. If you notice in these verses he has told us what we are doing wrong, what we should do and given us a reason why. We can't ask for anything more, right?
25: Wrong: Put off falsehood, Right: Speak truthfully to your neighbor, Why: We are all members of one body.
28: Wrong: Steal no longer, Right: work, doing something useful, Why: So you may have something to share with those in need.
29: Wrong: Do not let unwholesome talk comeout of your mouths, Right: use speech that is helpful for building up others, Why: so it may benefit those who listen.
31: Wrong: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander and every form of malice, Right: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, Why: Because in Christ God forgave you.
Paul has packaged these words neatly between two parallel ideas. He preped us for what was coming by telling us, "To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." And he wrapped it up directly after verse 32 by instucting us to be "imitators of God."
Chapters 4 and 5 are full of other "dos" and "don't" of living like Christ but I think it can all be summed up in Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Be very careful. I don't think Paul is telling us to look both ways when crossing the street, or to not minister in foreign lands that might be dangerous, but he is telling us to live intently, with purpose. If we are living intently, making every step, every decision as though we have a reason we will be living for God, a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. God, I hope I smell good to you :)
