JUNE 5 | EPHESIANS 5:15-21

---

DAILY READING

Ephesians 5:15-21

---

REFLECTION

Sold Out!

by Judy Webb

Do you ever feel so sure of something, so positive that it is the right thing that others would refer to you as being Sold Out?

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is. (v.v. 15-17)

If you are anything like me, you most likely ask: "What is God's will or what is God's will for me in this situation?" As we endeavor to live the Christian life, this will often be a regular question. Each new circumstance calls for us to be wise and humble and obedient as we ponder this question. We are prompted to address the issue of God’s will for us today.

The over-arching answer directly from the text for today is: be careful; be wise; use every opportunity; understand God's will; stay sober; be filled with the Holy Spirit; sing and make music; always give thanks.

The core message is to walk in the Light. The Spirit-filled life, the normal Christian life, is to Worship the Lord and encourage others to do the same. As we walk in this light, we see things we didn’t see before. We recognize the old paths we once navigated, did not lead us to Jesus. The light before us now reveals this true path, this eternal path to living rightly.

We submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.

Truth #1: It is a waste to live intoxicated; a waste of time, money, and opportunity. This life leads to destruction. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Truth #2: Worship, sing, and praise everywhere—not only in church. Fill your life with song.

Truth #3: Give thanks for everything to God. We aren’t blind to the problems of the world, yet the Holy Spirit reveals God’s goodness in our lives.

Truth #4: Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.

We need to be part of a team which works together—no lone rangers. Think about others. Submit is a military word pointing to a chain of command. With a team attitude, we recognize mutual goals. We are sold out for team Jesus

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Keep us mindful of your love for each of us. We did not earn it, but you gave it to us freely. What a gift. Because of your goodness, mercy and love, we are sold out! Not turning back, only walking forward in the light.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

---

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

---

June 4 | Ephesians 4:25-32

---

DAILY READING

Ephesians 4:25-32

---

REFLECTION

Lists, Lists, Lists

By Katie Borden

I’m a list-maker.

I have lists in my planner, in my journal, in my notes app on my phone, on actual physical sticky notes, on whiteboards, and sometimes in emails that I send to myself.

I know. I know. It’s a lot.

The trap for me in all this list-making is that, even though I cognitively know that my self-worth isn’t based in achievement and accomplishment, I tend to feel a lot better about myself when I check things off my lists.

Which is why Ephesians 4 for me can get dangerously twisted in my brain when I read it.

Anyone relate? 

I can look at the admonitions to “put off falsehood” (v 25), “steal no longer” (v 28) and “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger…” (v 31) and think to myself “ooo, three more items to check off the list so that I can feel good about being a great Christian.” And I’ve totally missed the point. (Besides, if I’m honest, can I really even check them off in the first place?)

Paul’s writing here is not a list of things to do in order to feel good about ourselves. I think what Paul is more accurately doing here is casting a vision for what a community shaped by Christ’s sacrificial love looks like. Do you notice that the things Paul mentions here all have to do with living life in a community? The thoughts and deeds mentioned in this portion of Ephesians have to do with the heart, yes, but they also have to do with the way our heart’s orientation affects those with whom we are in community. Paul is offering a way of living together that is molded and shaped in the way of Jesus’ love by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 4:25-32 is not a list of things we do to earn God’s favor. These are very practical, embodied responses to God’s love that the Holy Spirit prompts and empowers within us for the sake of the world he loves. And boy, does it paint a picture of a community I’d like to be a part of.

How about you?

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, continue your work in my heart to make me ever more like Christ. Clothe me with Christ and his love, so that I would be ever more a loving member of your body. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATIE BORDEN

I’m a lifelong member of UALC and have had the privilege of serving our community in both volunteer and staff roles over the years. I love learning, OSU football, good conversations, chocolate croissants, laughter, and sharing about the good news of Jesus in whatever capacity I can.

---

June 3 | Romans 12:1-8

---

DAILY READING

Romans 12:1-8

---

REFLECTION

Give God Your Life

By Pam Mann

In the previous chapter (Romans 11), Paul describes God’s great mercy toward us. Now, Paul coaches us to respond to that marvelous mercy! Give God your life. After all, you know He saved your life. You are no longer dead, lost in your sin. So, live for God.

How does Paul coach us to do that? What does a dedicated life look like? Paul explains.

1)        Let go of the world’s priorities. Ask God’s Spirit to transform you by renewing your mind. What changes would your body experience if the Spirit renewed your mind?

2)        The result of this renewal is embracing God’s will in your life. Where is God calling you to embrace His will today?

3)        Immediately, this renewal has a relational component. The Spirit grants sober judgment so that we see ourselves a part of the Christ’s body, a humble coworker in God’s kingdom.

4)        God’s kingdom comes to our fallen world when Christ’s body works together. The Spirit gives us each different gifts so that together we can do Christ’s work in a dying world. Each believer is a living sacrifice, serving God in humility.

Paul is describing a team sport, isn’t he? Imagine the dedicated coach who loves the sport and knows that young athletes learn important life lessons as they train, practice, and play together. The coach asks players to follow a healthy diet during the season. Forget the junk food. Eat fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. In addition, young athletes need regular sleep. Avoid risky behaviors that cause injury to your body. Your body is not your own, Coach says. You belong to the team. The team needs you in peak condition so you can play your best. You are a living sacrifice.

Such a committed lifestyle is not easy for the young athlete. Friends who are not on the team might entice you to eat, drink, or do what you know Coach would not approve. This is when you refuse to be conformed to the agenda of others, and you embrace the will of Coach for the sake of the team.

And what about you? Who owns your body … your mind … and your soul?

PRAYER

Honestly, Lord, we comprehend the idea of giving our lives to You. But it’s living for You hour by hour that trips us up. Forgive us. Renew us. Lead us to brothers and sisters who also long to give their lives to You. Let us be Your body together, Jesus.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

---