Word@Work Eph60 - Ephesians 5:8-10
Published: Thu, 12/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
PRACTICING THE TRUTH
Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. (NIV)
The Bible's challenge, to think and behave differently from the secular world around us, has a reason. Once we have met the Light of the World, and repented of all our dark ways, we no longer belong to the kingdom ruled by the Prince of demons. We have a different master, a different life to live and a different destiny to reach. So to imitate the behaviour of those in the kingdom from which we have escaped makes no sense at all. To indulge ourselves with the perverse things that temporarily boost their ego, is bizarre, when we have been saved from their authority.
The light that is shone by Jesus and recorded in the Bible reveals what is true, and enables us to live without stumbling about in a blind way. As we live in the light, so we develop a character full of goodness, righteousness and truth. But how will that be seen? Well, most of our waking hours are also working hours. So the workplace is the primary site for demonstrating the transformation which Jesus has made in our lives. Where better to be a witness for Christ? Most of us encounter more people who do not know Jesus, at work, than at any other time.
Many Christians are looking for guidance. Sometimes we think that there will be special signs placed in obscure places, which only clever Christians can find. In fact, 'finding out what pleases the Lord' is: the daily encounter of doing what He says, living the new life He has brought us into, and practicing the practical disciplines that we have already read about in this chapter. The Lord will then give fresh guidance to those who have shown their eagerness in doing what they have already learned. Put like that, guidance is as simple as obeying what you know and trusting that when you have done it, the Lord will show the next step.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your Word which illuminates each day. Help me to keep walking in its light, and practicing the truth You have already shown me, in the workplace as well as at home and church. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
The Bible's challenge, to think and behave differently from the secular world around us, has a reason. Once we have met the Light of the World, and repented of all our dark ways, we no longer belong to the kingdom ruled by the Prince of demons. We have a different master, a different life to live and a different destiny to reach. So to imitate the behaviour of those in the kingdom from which we have escaped makes no sense at all. To indulge ourselves with the perverse things that temporarily boost their ego, is bizarre, when we have been saved from their authority.
The light that is shone by Jesus and recorded in the Bible reveals what is true, and enables us to live without stumbling about in a blind way. As we live in the light, so we develop a character full of goodness, righteousness and truth. But how will that be seen? Well, most of our waking hours are also working hours. So the workplace is the primary site for demonstrating the transformation which Jesus has made in our lives. Where better to be a witness for Christ? Most of us encounter more people who do not know Jesus, at work, than at any other time.
Many Christians are looking for guidance. Sometimes we think that there will be special signs placed in obscure places, which only clever Christians can find. In fact, 'finding out what pleases the Lord' is: the daily encounter of doing what He says, living the new life He has brought us into, and practicing the practical disciplines that we have already read about in this chapter. The Lord will then give fresh guidance to those who have shown their eagerness in doing what they have already learned. Put like that, guidance is as simple as obeying what you know and trusting that when you have done it, the Lord will show the next step.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your Word which illuminates each day. Help me to keep walking in its light, and practicing the truth You have already shown me, in the workplace as well as at home and church. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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