This Chapter of Ephesians has been full of great insights on what a life in Christ should look like. How should we live as Christians? There are no “rules,” but we should not want to bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit. When you think of your behavior in that light, it’s quite simple.
If you’re a people pleaser like me, pleasing God should be the ultimate joy. Although when we put ourselves to that high standard, we fall short. We can’t help it. We just have to get up, brush ourselves off and try again. God is loving us no matter what we do.
Look again at the qualities that will set us apart: hard-working, generous, encouraging, kind, tenderhearted, forgiving. We may not be perfect, but when we remember whose we are and what has been done for us, it’s like a wake-up call.
Our salvation doesn’t depend on us, thankfully. So how we act does not move us to the head of the class or assure us a place in eternity. It was Jesus that paid the price for us. It was Jesus who shed his blood as a sacrifice to wash us clean of all of our faults. We need Jesus. It is he who gives us the guarantee we will be saved on that day of redemption.
We live our lives to honor God because of what he has done for us. It’s not because we want anything or expect any special favors. As forgiven children of God living in a relationship with our creator, we should yearn for a closeness to God. When we realize how much we need God, we should want to do everything we can to honor and praise him. Good behavior, as described in this Chapter, becomes more automatic.
If you ever feel like being a Christ follower is a chore or a duty, you need a heart check. Chances are you’ve lost faith along the way. Something has happened to push a wedge between you and God. Take a listen to this song from Chris Tomlin, Good Good Father. This is a good reminder of who God is and why we want to live our life to please him.
God loves us, that’s our identity. How do you respond to that?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I never want to bring you sorrow by my words or actions. I haven’t always been so concerned by this. Forgive my sinfulness. I totally embrace your saving grace and want my life to reflect you. Help me work through all the hurts that have left scars. May the grip this has on me be forever broken. Clean my heart, O God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
