We have but ONE life, so live it.
Do not let it ... go to waste!
The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5:1-2 that to live a life of love is a life that imitates God, and the life of Christ while he was on earth. It is a life of self-giving love for the people. "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." It is a life that gives itself up as "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
He warns us, in no uncertain terms, against living a life that is out of sync with that of "God's holy people" (verses 3-7, 11):
1) There must not be (v.3)
2) These are improper for God's holy people (v.3)
3) Nor should there be (v.4)
4) No ... has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (v.5)
5) Because of such things God's wrath comes on the disobedient (v.6)
6) Do not be partners with them (v.6)
7) Have nothing to do with ... (v.11)
8) Expose the fruitless deeds of darkness (v.11)
He describes us as "light in the Lord" (v.8) and exhorts us to live as children of light, and have NOTHING to do with anything belonging to the sphere of darkness. The fruit of living in the light consists of: goodness, righteousness, truth and everything that pleases the Lord.
Verse 14 - The phrase, "it is said" is no where found in the Old Testament. Thus, it may well be a hymn used by the early Christians (NIVSB, p. 1800).
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Christ is the light of the world. If we were to "wake up" and "rise from the dead" - then Christ will shine on our life - and become our life indeed. Our life will be energized and light up others around too. We will become shining pathways to lead others to God and to the truth.
Therefore, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." (vs. 15-16)
We have but ONE life, so live it.
Do not let it ... go to waste!
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