Ephesians Lesson 4/Day 5 ”Let God’s Word Impact the Way You Live”

Ephesians 4:25-30

I don’t know about you, but I’m a “list person.” I like my lists for to-do’s, groceries, timetable, and even my behavior. I’ve always been like this. I actually made lists when I was a kid and posted them up around the house! When it comes to the Word of God, I like to see my lists there as well. I see the “do’s & don’ts” of Scripture and I want to get it right and do right by God. I’m mindful of the great gift of His love and grace I’ve been given and my desire is to reflect well back on Him. I don’t want to walk in futility – I want my life to matter. I don’t want to be ignorant of truth – I want to live the Truth. I don’t want to be alienated from God – I want to rejoice in my closeness to the Creator. So, when I read a passage like ours today I take it seriously – like an inventory of my heart’s condition. And I’m so thankful that it’s not a to-do list of don’ts with no hope for truly accomplishing the “do’s”! The final words in this passage remind me of the power I have in me to do this: I’ve been “sealed for the day of redemption.” That’s some pretty amazing good news! A list of what to do or not do in life is at best a worthless piece of paper and at worst a reminder of my utter inability to ever get it all done – but the empowering word of God is beyond a to-do list! It’s a “to-done” list in a sense and a hopeful reminder that I have access to a new heart, a renewed mind, and a future that is protected by the promise of the gifts I’ve been blessed with in the heavenly places! Thank God for that!