But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be associated with them. Ephesians 5: 3-7 NRSV
Wow! I am beginning to get a really good picture of what this church at Ephesus must have been like! They must have been standing around discussing (possibly bragging) of all the unchristian behavior they had been a part of during the week. Dirty jokes and sexist comments must have been the order of the day. Folks were putting each other down, saying hurtful things, participating in clicks and trying to get something (money, food, advice, business) for nothing.
Anyone out there seeing a familiar scene?
Paul comes down hard on them, too.
He says those kinds of people who participated in all that kind of vulgar talk were in the wrong place. In fact, the ones who were doing evil things and the ones who were talking about them were all facing the wrath of God.
Paul tells folks to be giving thanksgiving instead. And to not be deceived by empty words. In fact, they should not even associate with any of those vulgar people.
God, we give you thanks for this day and the opportunity we have to worship you. May we not be deceived but live lives worthy of you. In Jesus' Holy name, Amen.
Question of the day: Who will you have to avoid during church today in order to follow Paul's instructions?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
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