This week’s challenge comes from Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus. I’ve chosen the verses that spoke most to me and will focus on throughout the week.

“As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be HUMBLE and GENTLE. PATIENTLY put up with each other and LOVE each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at PEACE.”

“As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people. Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. THEY NO LONGER HAVE ANY FEELINGS ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT and they are so greedy that THEY DO ALL KINDS INDECENT THINGS… Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.”

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. LET LOVE BE YOUR GUIDE. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God. You are God’s people, so don’t let it be said that any of you are immoral or indecent or greedy. Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are. Being greedy, indecent, or immoral is just another way of worshipping idols. You can be sure that people who behave in this way will never be part of the kingdom that belongs to Christ and to God.”

I think it’s important to note to whom Paul was speaking – the Church, Christians, people of faith – I believe he is speaking to you and me, today.

May God’s Spirit guide you to live with love, with decency, with morality, and with righteousness. All of these matter – SHOULD matter – especially to people of faith like us. Let’s hold each other up to these standards this week.