READING: Galatians 6, Ephesians 1-5
“Therefore.”
The word means a lot as it connects one thought with another. It serves well as a transition in today’s reading, too.
The first three chapters of Ephesians help us understand who we are in Christ: blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, heirs, sealed, alive, saved, seated, fellow citizens, a holy temple. Paul piles up the phrases to remind us of all that God has done for us—and it’s no wonder he concludes Ephesians 3 with a doxology: “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:20-21).
That’s where the “therefore” comes into the story. Paul begins Ephesians 4 with, “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph 4:1). Because of who God is and all He has done for us, it is only right that we would follow Him with all our being. Because of who we are in Christ, it is only proper that we be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with each other in love. God gave Himself to us; therefore, we must give ourselves to Him. Indeed, the final three chapters of Ephesians help us see that our relationship with Christ must affect every area of our lives. We must, in fact, imitate God.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you following God fully today?
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for making me Yours. Help me to imitate You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ephesians 6, Philippians 1-4
