Monday Morning Encouragement -- Be Who You Are In Jesus

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

Ephesians 5 is packed with instructions for Christian living. Paul begins his discourse with the admonition to "be imitators of God, as beloved children." God is our Father, and as the children that He loves, we are called to behave in ways that honor Him and reflect His character. 

Charles Spurgeon said, "What are we sent into the world for? Is it not that we may keep men in mind of God, whom they are most anxious to forget? If we are imitators of God, as dear children, they will be compelled to recollect that there is a God, for they will see his character reflected in ours. I have heard of an atheist who said he could get over every argument except the example of his godly mother: he could never answer that."

Paul gives a list of sins that we are to avoid, however it's not exhaustive. If we are well-acquainted with God's word, we know what He condemns, and we determine not to take part in sinful acts, but rather to "walk as children of light." When we do this, when we "try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord" and then live in obedience to His will, our actions will shine the light of Christ on a sick and dying culture.

Pastor Dave Gruzik says, "We must notice the theme of the moral appeal. It isn’t 'avoid these things so that you can be a saint.' Rather, it is 'you are a saint; now live in a manner fitting for a saint.' The constant moral appeal of the New Testament is simply this: be who you are in Jesus."

"Be who you are in Jesus." I love that! In a world that is confused about self identity, we have clarity of who we are. We are in Jesus, and He is in us. We surrender to Him, and He gives us the strength and power to be exactly who He has designed us to be. There's no confusion. Evil will not have its way when Christ has His way in us.

Today's music video is Make Me Like You, Jesus by Voices of Grace. "This song expresses the desire to walk in Jesus’ humility, love, and obedience."

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.