Ephesians 5

I love the clarity and easy application of this chapter: 

• (v. 1-2) “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” As a daughter of God I should mimic his love in the way I speak, act, and make decisions… I should emanate his love in the way I treat people, both strangers and loved ones, on a daily basis.
• (v. 3-4) “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” Don’t participate in empty talk… don’t say things that don’t carry any worth or meaning to the glory of God.
• (v. 6) “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” 
• (v. 8-9) “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).” 
• (v. 11) “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Be open and honest with God about your sin… expose them, and ask for his forgiveness.
• (v. 15-16) “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Cliche, but use your time wisely. Time is short and life is over in an instant (James 4:14 says “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”). There is no use in investing your time in things that have no eternal value…

Reflections:

1. Emanate God’s love in everything that you do. This is so difficult for me, because I so often forget who I am living for. I need to constantly remind myself that I am to love just as He loves me… I pray that my attitude towards others changes to reflect the love that Jesus showed through the cross.  
2. Be a good planner. Make a to-do list before you go to sleep for the next day—all the tasks you need to complete—in order to make optimal use of your time. Set aside time for God in the morning, when your attention is sharpest and your motivation strongest. Make him the first person you greet when you wake up and pray that he would lead you through the rest of the day.