Ephesians 5 reminds me that I always observe the way people carry themselves. I notice when someone is unstable, or in pain. It catches my eye when someone is confident or joyful. Often, a person’s gait reflects their current state. Today’s lesson is about learning to walk differently. Paul begins with a clear command: “Follow God’s example… and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.” This has nothing to do with our stride. Walking in love means that sometimes we need to slow down to truly see those around us. Jesus is our example of sacrificial living. It is difficult to put others first when we are tripping over our own feet. Paul says to avoid “even a hint of sexual immorality… impurity, or greed” because “these are improper for God’s holy people”. We represent our God to everyone we meet. Paul continues, there should not be any “obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking… but rather thanksgiving.” People notice when our language is different. It is refreshing to hear words of gratitude. Paul adds: “No immoral, impure or greedy person… has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ.” He is not talking about eternity. After our burden has been lifted, there is no more strain in our stroll. Paul offers a strong warning not to be deceived by the empty words of the disobedient. It is not just how we move, but also where we go. Paul says: “do not be partners with them”, meaning steer clear of the old lifestyles.
Next, Paul seems to add a thought about when to walk. Grandma used to say: “nothing good happens after midnight”. Paul writes: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Some places are not safe at night. As children of the light, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Corruption thrives and multiplies in the dark: “everything exposed by the light becomes visible.” Accepting corruption is the same as supporting it. We expose corruption by standing for truth. There is an urgency implied “Therefore do not be foolish”, adding another firm warning: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.” Are you stumbling in the wrong direction?
The chapter closes with a discussion on walking together for a lifetime. Lots of strategies work for winning in short sprints. Paul’s focus is on completing, not competing. Individuals today are outraged by the word “submit”. This compound word means to “arrange under” and implies a joyful, intentional, mutually beneficial support. Long, healthy marriages are unified. He begins: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That means two people unified under the authority of Christ. Then Paul adds: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” Paul notes that relationship reflects the church’s role: “as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands.” We can’t ignore the second part of the equation: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” A wise woman marries a man that would put her needs above his own. There is a mutual admiration and protection. Paul continues: “husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.” We know when we need to be fed, or exercise, or heal, or rest. There must also be a balance in the relationship: “He who loves his wife loves himself.” Part of the reason I take care of myself is, so I can care for her today and tomorrow. And note that Paul recalls the creation of marriage from Genesis 2: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This kind of unity begins with severance and ends in permanence and intimacy. We gain strength by leaning on one another. Friend, is it time to regain stability in your walk?