PLEASE READ: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 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.
- Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
- He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
- And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
- Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Jesus states clearly in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The interesting thing to note is that in the original Greek language (the New Testament was originally written in Greek, for the most part), the word “love” here is a verb, which of course, is a word of action.
This command comes just moments after Jesus has eaten His final Passover meal with the disciples and has washed the feet of the disciples! It was the custom of that day to have a bowl of water and towels available so that when guests arrived at the home, the feet of the visitors would be washed. While it was the disciples who certainly should have been washing the feet of Jesus, yet it is Jesus who gets the bowl and towel and washes the feet of His disciples (John 13:3-15).
Then Jesus says words which are so profound, and every Christian, every would-be-disciple of Christ around the world must remember, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:13-15). That is amazing what Jesus says in John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
The words from Ephesians 4 noted above was Paul’s attempt to teach the Christians living in Ephesus of how to follow the example of Jesus. Paul’s writes in Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Below is a simple yet convicting story which is possibly played out too often by those who call themselves Christian.
The officer said, “No, you certainly were not. But, I did see you making an obscene hand gesture as you swerved around another motorist. I also observed your flushed and angry face as you shouted something at the other driver. I also noticed how you pounded your steering wheel when the traffic in front of you came to a stop.”
The driver, said, “But, officer is all of that a crime?”
The police officer said, “No, it is not a crime as such. But, I noticed the bumper sticker on the back of your car which say, “Jesus Loves You And So Do I” and I just figured this car had to be stolen!”
In all seriousness, how is our walk with Christ? Does our life in and outside of the churches we serve reflect that we are following the example of God? Are we imitating God in every area of our life? IF we were stopped by the “spiritual police,” would we be worthy of a ticket for a violation, or a certificate of commendation?
Shalom,
Pastor Jim
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