“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵ For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ¹³ But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴ for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.“
Ephesians 5:1-21

It is easy to see that Paul is running a line of contrast between the life we ought to live in Christ, and the life we see others living in the world. There is a ping pong match between the two worldviews within this passage, and our minds are made attentive to the ways of both as we read. Paul’s desire to lay them both out before the reader is clear, and the reason behind that motive is, too.

As Christians, we must be awakened to the life of light that is offered to us in Christ, as that is His own example to us as our Lord and Master. There is a distinctiveness to the people of God that stands in stark contrast to the motives and actions of this evil world. Where there was darkness, we stand as messengers of the light.

That fact isn’t and shouldn’t be a surprise to us who follow Christ. We have been set aside, called to stand apart form the world, even as we live in it, we are not of it. That much is clear. But Paul is forcing us to examine ourselves as we read this passage. As we listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice in this inspired text, we are being made to choose sides. Paul presents what is “good and right and true” and also shows the “shameful” acts of the world. And as believers, we must examine what we have been called to, and what we find happens naturally for those who answer to the flesh and sin.

Every time Paul says “but” he’s contrasting these two lives and worldviews. Every time he says “therefore,” or some derivative of it, he is presenting his reasoning in moving forward with this awareness. It is clear in this passage that corruption breeds corruption, and that light creates light. As submissive, obedient, faithful followers of Christ, we must remind our hearts of this. we must “Awake” each day to the reality that Christ has shone His light on us, and drawn us out of death and into life.

If we were to continue living as the world lives, then we would have no part with Him. But in Him, we have been given the keys to life, light and righteous living. In these things, we have been awakened to distinction in this world. We have been called to a higher standard. When we arise from the dead, our new life demands that we walk by it, we have been purchased by His blood in order that it may be so. And because of this calling on our lives, we find that we are compelled to live in thanksgiving, with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs on our hearts and lips, rather than the debauchery and deception so readily seen in this world.

So, we must examine ourselves daily, and ask the Lord if we are living this life of distinction. Are we seeking His will, His way, His good pleasure, and doing so with worship in our hearts for Him? There is a line drawn here, separated by “buts” and “therefores,” between the two realities of this present world. Do we choose to let the light of God’s divine righteousness purify us from the hurts and failures of this world, or do we choose to let death reign in our hearts? For the Christian, it’s a pretty obvious answer. We choose light, life, and righteousness. But that awareness, the awakening to this truth He brings, must keep us on the alert against deception, and the degradation this world and the hearts of sinful man brings.

Every day, when I wake up, I seek the Lord before I do anything else. In discipline before Him, I acknowledge my unebbing need for Him, and seek to expose the corners of my heart before Him, that there may be no room for the enemy or my own flesh to drive a wedge between us. I think through my previous day, examine my motives, my heart and my actions, and seek to be clear in my confession before Him. We must hate our sin. We must fight against it. We must choose to walk in righteousness. Not because we have some amazing strength or moral fortitude to do so, nor is it ever for our glory, but because we desire to honor Christ in our bodies.

We cannot give up ground in this daily battle. Again, not because of some need to be a legalist, nor because we think for a moment that we are somehow earning our salvation, nor having to struggle to keep it, but out of love and thanksgiving for the One who has gifted it to us in His grace through the atoning, substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Out of raw admiration, love, and appreciation, we keep a close eye on our hearts, actions, and motives, so that we might honor Him. With fear and trembling, we seek to see this salvation worked out in us, and all for His glory. We are simply unworthy servants (Luke 17:10) who desire to lovingly honor our Master and Lord.

Prayer & Examination

Father, as I look into Your Word today, I am reminded of my deep need for You, and of my thankfulness for Your saving work through Christ. Please guide me, that Your light may shine into the deepest corners of my heart, revealing what needs to be revealed, cleansing what needs to be cleansed, and drawing me into wakefulness before You.

— Take a moment or two and ask the Lord to guide you through an examination of your heart before Him

May You be honored and glorified in me today, and may my sinful flesh find its mortification in You. I confess these sins before You, and now may Your work in me serve as an encouragement to others. Strengthen me to the task of walking with You, Jesus. May Your Name, and songs of praise to You, be on my lips, and may my life be a fragrant offering and sacrifice for You.

Amen.