Daily Devotional - Wednesday, July 29

Ephesians 5:1-14

When we refer to “putting on the new man in Christ” we are starting by being imitators of God. We can be imitators of God by “living a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us”. Not only should we talk about His love, but we should live out His love and share His love with those around us. There are so many ways that we can show Gods love, one thing that comes to mind is a random act of kindness, just as Brandon did at McDonald's by helping carry out a man’s food and drinks the morning of our training session. :) All it takes is a slight interest in someone and just letting them know that you care for them and want to do whatever you can for them including praying for them. To put on the new man in Christ there are things that we cannot do if we want to be His children. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” This is referring to the old man, which we must take off to become the new man in Christ. One thing to remember is that we make the personal decision everyday whether or not we are putting on the new man or the old man. Luke 9:23 says “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I personally think that things can get in our way, and we tend to slip back to the old man. But thankfully we have such an amazing and forgiving God.

The second part of these verses refers to “living as children of light.” When we were “the old man in Christ” we were living in darkness. The way I perceive darkness is ignorance. I was aware of the things that God could do and I knew what was right from wrong, because I grew up in church. But even though I knew this I still chose to go about things in my own way, not Gods. By living as children of light we walk in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Now I am living in the light --- I am living in His truth and living my life the way He wants me to.

I just pray that in Canada we all remember to be imitators of God and share His love to everyone we come into contact with, and be a shining light for Him, that others may see Him through us.


- Adria Ruppe