27 Sept. Living in the Light
"You are God's children whom he loves, so try to be like him. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God."
"But there must be no sexual sin among you, or any kind of evil or greed. Those things are not right for God's holy people. Also there must be no evil talk among you, and you must not speak foolishly or tell evil jokes. These things are not right for you."
"Instead, you should be giving thanks to God. You can be sure of this: no one will have a place in the kingdom of Christ and of God who sins sexually, or does evil things, or is greedy. Anyone who is greedy is serving a false god."
"Do not let anyone fool you by telling you things that are not true, because these things will bring God's anger on those who do not obey him. So have nothing to do with them."
"In the past you were full of darkness. but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong in the light. Light brings every kind of goodness, right living and truth."
"Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness, which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong. It is shameful even to talk about what these people do in secret."
"But the light makes all things easy to see, and everything that is made easy to see can become light... So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times."
"So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do, Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit."
"Speak to each other with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Ephesians 5: 1-20)
Today, St Paul gives more words of advice that our politicians and those in high office (amongst others) would profit from following:
Live in the light of God, not in the darkness of evil.
No more sex with those you are not married to.
No more greed to allow your friends to make money out of your influential position.
No more pathetic jokes at someone else's expense.
No more speaking foolishly with inappropriate language.
Paul's words are as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago:
"Instead, you should be giving thanks to God." (Ephesians 5:4)
"Try to learn what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness." (Ephesians 5:10-11)
"Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Paul sums up his message like this:
"So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do... Do not be drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
The photo (by A-giâu) shows the sun rising over Biwa Lake, Honshu .
You can read more about walking in the light @ https://www.thebiblejourney.org/…/15-pauls-le…/the-new-life/