Our Special Obligation

Read: Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT – Living in the Light – Imitate God, – Bible Gateway

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” Ephesians 5:15 NLT

Every Christian has a special obligation to live carefully in this world. The Lord God has brought us out of darkness and into His light. We should reflect that light in every endeavor of our lives. Paul instructs us to live wisely and not like fools. Fools live in darkness, but Christians live in the light.

We live in the world, but we are not to be part of the world. Christians are part of the body of Christ, separate from the world with its lusts and desires. When we engage in worldly behaviors we are committing spiritual adultery. “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (Ja.4:4 nlt) Being a friend of the world is not living carefully, but foolishly.

Paul tells us, “Don’t participate in the things these people do.” (Eph.5:7 nlt) We have a special obligation not to, so let’s not. Paul continues, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (our obligation) Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.” (Eph.5:10-12 nlt) Our godly character will expose those sinful acts without saying a word. And doing what pleases the Lord will add to our godly character as we live in His light.

Living carefully in a fallen world is not easy for the Christian, but it is our special obligation. The Lord has not left us to live this life alone; He has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer to help us fulfil our obligation to live carefully in this world. Now it’s up to us to live in the light.