9 July - Ephesians 4

We’re back in the book of Ephesians today, chapter 4. Let’s take a look at what Paul wrote:

1. Paul starts this chapter off with a serious punch. He told his audience to live their lives in a manner that is worthy to be called one of God’s children. That’s a very sobering thought when we take time to think through it. God called us to be a member of his family and so we should live worthy of our new family name.
2. Which leaves us with the question: How do we live our lives that make Jesus proud to call us one of his own? Paul answers this question for us. We’re to be humble, gentle, patient, bear each others burdens and to try to keep the unity through peace. Paul goes on to say God gave us all different talents and we’re to use them to the best of our abilities to make the church function well and to help other people.
3. Then Paul said after we decide to follow Jesus, God gives us a new life. In our old way of living we focused on satisfying ourselves but we’re to put that aside now and focus on loving God and others. We’re to be compassionate to each other and forgive others as Jesus forgave us.

We’ve talked about this previously but does reading that you’re considered a member of God’s family after you decide to follow Jesus make you feel differently? Does it help you see how much God cares for you? Does it make you want to live the life he wants for you in a way that makes him smile? Looking at your life right now; are you living a life worthy of being called a son or daughter of God? Remember that when we decide to follow Jesus it’s like getting a fresh start on life. Live your new life to the fullest. Love God and love people, and if you really do then you will turn the world upside down.