Ephesians 5:3-21

Yesterday we learned how we are to imitate Christ, and how God answers us when we call upon him.

Today we learn a bit more about what it means to live for Christ.

3But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5For 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. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not associate with them; 8for 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), 10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

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

On the side of darkness we have:
sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, crude joking,
no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Deceivers, the sons of disobedience, unwise, drunkenness (from alcoholic beverages), no submission, no praise, no music of praise, foolish, no understanding of the will of God.

On the side of light we have:
Thanksgiving, Non-association with the dark side. At one time part of the darkness, but now part of the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, Fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Discerns what is pleasing ot the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Finds it shameful to speak of what the dark side does. But learns that darkness exposed to the light is changed! Looks carefully to how one walks, wise, makes the best use of time, filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Can you see the difference?
I see those who walk on the dark side, as being those who are only concerned for themselves. Regardless of what they do, they are concerned for only truly for themselves.

Whereas those who walk in the Light of the Lord....they are concerned for the things of God. They see the importance of wisdom, in watching what they do, in bringing things out of darkness so they can be turned to the light, submission and respect for each other. They are a thankful, reverent people because of what Christ has done for them.

Makes me see more clearly where I need to be more discerning. Where I need to be more careful in what I do, and see, and talk about.

What do you see more clearly?