Jesus shows us how we should walk

Paul spends much time attempting to help churches navigate complicated and tense times. I am so thankful for the wisdom and clarity that the apostle brings to some of the things we are still dealing with in this fallen world.

I also very much appreciate when he makes things easily transportable. In chapter five of Ephesians, we glimpse how we should walk out this Christian life.

After presenting unity as our highest expectation in the church, Paul admonishes believers to imitate God by walking in love. God demonstrated His love by dying for us even while sinning. He also loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place.

Jesus showed us how to be kind and forgiving and, because of his example, we can live it out every day. Walk in love every day. Be on the lookout for ways to show you care for others more than yourself.

Paul commands us to get rid of all kinds of covetousness. Sitting around, wishing we had what others have, steals any chance of being content. He goes so far as to say we commit idolatry when we covet, commit sexual immorality or speak crudely.

Do not play around in the darkness but walk as children of the light. There it is again — Walk. Walk in the light and leave the dark actions behind you. Recognize that the light has entered the world, and it’s time to wake up and let Christ shine on and through you.

We must also ensure that our walk is wise. Let us not be like the worldly who numb themselves with wine, but instead be influenced by the Spirit by being filled continuously with the Spirit of God.

Two possible connections exist to the contrast of drinking and being filled with God. One was the apparent reference to Acts chapter two when the bystanders figured those filled were drunk. Paul said, “If we weren’t drunk on day one when power fell, we don’t ever need it.” We need the power.

The other possibility, since he was writing to Ephesus, is he was contrasting the god of wine (Dionysius) to Jesus Christ’s Spirit that raised people from the dead. Either way, it’s wiser to be Spirit-filled and living according to His will.

Paul rounds to the point that the fundamental marker of a person who walks in love, light and wisdom is how they walk with those near them. Paul ends this segment by stating that we must submit ourselves to one another just like Christ did.

The word submit means to revoke your will for someone else’s. It doesn’t mean allowing others to lord over you, but for you to always be ready to serve. If it is in your power to help others or to defer to them without compromising righteousness, do it.

We often look for ways to impact others the most; the best way is to give them your time. Your time is the most valuable thing you have, and when you provide it to others, it can change their life.

I tell myself often, “Time with is never time wasted.” Where are you spending your time? The answer to that question will likely be where you see the most significant impact in your life. So, make sure the answer is what you want it to be. Walk like God in love, light, wisdom and submission.