Day 182 "The Directional Compass of Love" ( Ephesians: Chapter Five)

Mark Hogan (Grace Walker)
Jan 13, 2020
4 min read

It is interesting to note, common sense to most folks, that if you open a door to a darkened room from a lighted hallway, darkness does not flood into the hallway. Rather, the light from the hallway pierces into the darkness and reveals what was hidden by the darkness. Before Christ, our lives were lived in darkness and lived for ourselves. But now as believers, those who have accepted the "Light of the World" (Jesus Christ) as their Lord and Savior, Paul encourages to live a lifestyle as children of the light and imitators of God by love. As we steer our way towards the end of Ephesians, Paul has a few more words of encouragement and instructions to send our way.

Chapter Five:

:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

In a world so full of self-centeredness and selfishness, everyone chasing after their own interests and desires, Paul's words pierce the darkness within the

world and within our own hearts to live our lives here on Earth as children of God who are dearly loved. While much of the world chases after acceptance by others and in search of their own identity, Paul exhorts the believers to know who they are in Christ. We are already dearly loved and accepted by God- unconditionally, as it turns out! Let Christ be our example as to how to live

and love others.

:8-10 "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as

children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteous-

ness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."

In a world where everything around us is temporary in its nature, Paul, through the Holy Spirit, is instructing the believer to make the most out of one's life. What is the benefit of goodness, righteousness and truth? Is it not for the benefit of others? Seek after what pleases the Lord, not yourselves.

We are loved by a God who desires an intimate relationship with each one of us

to express his love to us and through us.

:13-14 "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes

everything visible."

It's been said to not worry about the sawdust in other people's eyes when we

have a plank in our own. ( Matthew 7:1-5) One of the purposes that the Holy

Spirit has been placed into the lives of believers is to reveal and make known our own corrupt nature and to see it from God's perspective. All that the Spirit exposes is for the purpose of making it better.

:15-16 "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt something inside

you prompting you to do something? And when you did not listen to it and went on your way, did you not feel like some opportunity just passed you by?

Life is not measured in years or centuries, but in moments. That is why the

motto for Grace Corners is "Carpe Momentum in Love-" Seize the moment in

Love. Be watchful and careful of each moment as it passes. Life is being carried out in the moment at hand.

:18-20 "Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always

giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."

The Spirit is our direct lifeline to God. Through it, we have a two-way conversation with God. But not only that, the Spirit also unites each of us to one another as members of the family of God.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

To submit is to accept or yield oneself to the will and respect of another person. This is a by-product of love.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility con-

sider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4

Though this at times may be difficult for our old selfish nature, the example to follow before us is Christ, himself, who yielded and submitted his life to be used by God as an atoning sacrifice on our behalf. Christ's submission set up free from our sinful nature and reconciled us back to God. How's that for a life well lived on Earth?

:22 "Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord."

Wives, submit yourselves under the authority and protection that God

has ordained on your behalf.

:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just a Christ loved the church and gave

himself up for her"

Authority is not about being the dictator and commander of others. At

least not in God's economy. Love and service is at the heart of God's

kingdom. Love involves protection, seeking the best interests for the

other person, always believes and is patient. (See 1 Corinthians 13)

Love never ends. When a husband loves his wife in this way, everything

else will fall naturally in place.

When in doubt as to what one should do or needs to do, love will always shine through the darkness and light up the direction which one should take. "Be imitators of God", writes Paul, "And live a life of love."

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"Live your life by a compass, not a clock."

Stephen Covey

I would add to the above quote, let the truth North of your compass point in the direction of love.

Love is a powerful, liberating force. Here is a song by Stars Go Dim entitled "You are loved."