Ephesians 5:6-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 5:6-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Verse 7Therefore do not be associated with them. Verse 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light- Verse 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Verse 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Verse 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Verse 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; Verse 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, Verse 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Verse 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, Verse 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Verse 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, Verse 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, Verse 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotion
The light of God transforms us; when it shines into us, we become light. The name children of light designates the life, power, knowledge and purity that God bestows upon us. The commands for living that appear in this passage depend upon our new nature. Because God’s light has claimed and changed us, we can live accordingly, consistent with our “enlightened” identity. This response constitutes the essence of true worship, a life of praise and thanksgiving.
Prayer
Gracious source of everything good and right and true, may the light with which you have illumined us shine before others, that they may give glory to you. Amen.