Devotional
The first three chapters of Ephesians are all about the Gospel—who God is, what Jesus has done, and how we can rejoice in it.
Chapters 4–6 then shift toward how we live in the Gospel: how we live in unity with one another, grow in our walk with Christ, and ultimately imitate Jesus.
We don't imitate Christ out of obligation. We imitate Him because we love Him.
When we live a life that reflects Jesus and His love, we represent His sacrificial love to the world.
Following Christ means surrendering the things that pull us away from Him and choosing the freedom He has already given us.
The more we understand God's love for us—and the desire He has for us to walk in freedom—the deeper our commitment becomes to a life of obedience and genuine love. We are transformed by Jesus and His sacrifice.
Consider This
What does that transformation look like in our everyday lives?
What does it look like when you're struggling with something you don't want anyone to know about?
What does it look like when you're wrestling with temptation, insecurity, bitterness, lust, comparison, fear, doubt, or something you've been carrying for a long time?
Ephesians 5:10–14
“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible.”
Paul tells us to expose the works of darkness—to bring them into the light.
“Nobody can know this about you.”
“What will they think if they find out?”
“You should be able to handle this on your own.”
When we keep something hidden, it can begin to convince us that we're alone. But the Gospel tells us something different.
You don't have to hide. Jesus already knows.
Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can walk in the light. Sometimes walking in the light looks like being honest with God about where you really are.
Sometimes it means confessing something to a trusted friend or leader in your life.
Walking in the Light
Be honest with God.
Tell Him where you really are and what you have been carrying.
Tell someone you trust.
Invite a trusted friend or leader to pray, listen, and walk with you.
Receive freedom.
Let the truth and grace of Jesus speak louder than shame or fear.
You were never meant to follow Jesus alone.
God gives us spiritual family—people who can encourage us, challenge us, pray for us, and remind us of truth when we forget it.
Ask Yourself
Is there an area of my life that I've been keeping in the dark?
Maybe you're simply not doing as well spiritually as everyone thinks you are.
Whatever it is, you don't have to carry it alone. Jesus invites you into the light.
Application
Bring it into the light.
Take a moment and ask God if there is anything in the dark that He wants to reveal.
Then ask the Lord who you can confide in, and tell that person this week. Don't let shame convince you that you have to figure it out alone.
You have a Father who loves you.
You have a Savior who gave Himself for you.
You have a spiritual family meant to walk with you.