Jesus Christ must hold the first place in our lives; we must follow His example and imitate Christ in His humility and His love.
Ephesians 5:1–2 tells us to imitate God as beloved children and to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God, a sweet-smelling aroma.
He continues by telling us what we must be very mindful of in these times in which we live:
Let no immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed be mentioned among you these things are not fitting for God’s people. Neither should there be filthiness, foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are inappropriate; instead, let there be thanksgiving.
It is good for our youth to keep their eyes on the future, on the beautiful things that Jesus Christ offers. Let them turn away from old habits, from violence, drug trafficking, resentment, malice, and immorality. For in these things many of our ancestors became entangled, and many of them achieved nothing because of it. So why follow the same path of wrongdoing? Let us imitate Jesus Christ in His goodness.
Our life model is Christ Jesus because of His love, humility, and mercy. He humbled Himself and died on the cross for our salvation. With our eyes fixed on His great love for us, we must value our lives, care for our families, care for our children, and value decency and sincerity.
Do not remain attached to the past; do not return to old things. Let them go, forgive, and be free because Christ Jesus has made us free so that we may remain free, and not return to the sins of the past.
It is time to be careful with whom we build friendships, because friendships that lead us to immorality and disrespect are not friendships but stumbling blocks.
The Word of God continues in Ephesians 5:15-16:
“See then that you walk carefully, not as fools but as wise, making good use of your time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:9), for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness and righteousness.
Show respect to all who deserve respect; a person who does not respect himself and his neighbour does not walk in the will of God. Hold others in love; love your neighbour as God has commanded us to love others as ourselves.
Dedicate yourself to prayer; stay watchful in it with a heart of thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly matters. (Colossians 3:1-2)
We are living in difficult times, in which our salvation is more important than anything else, because we must be ready. At some moment on a day and hour no one knows Christ will return for His people, and we must be prepared.
Therefore we must walk in peace, humility, and holiness without these, no one will see God.
We must walk in the light to have fellowship with God, for God is light and in Him there is no darkness.
Written by Pastor Marcel Balootje.
Maintain an intimate and sincere connection with GOD
