One of these things is not like the other

Let’s Play a Game

Play the something is not like the other game.

Can I ask you a question how are people supposed to know we are different?

How we live

Ephesians 5:1-

Ephesians 5:1–14 NLT

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 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. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

I think we all knew that. If not this passage makes it very clear we are not supposed to look like the rest of the world. We talk differently, we act differently, and we essentially live differently.

Or do we?

One of the biggest criticisms against the church is that Christ church, that is the people who make it up don’t live any differently than anyone else.

And Christmas time is a time when this often really comes out.

I know what do you mean we sing Christmas songs, and tell people Jesus is the reason for the season and we put on Christmas plays. How could I say Christmas time is a time when Christians fall under scrutiny for not looking any different.

Ephesians 5:5 NLT

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

It is how greedy the world becomes at Christmas and unfortunately a lot of Christians fall into the same trap of greed. To the point of mistreating others to get the things and deals we want. Paul said this is a form of idolatry.

Idolatry at Christmas of all things. The truth is although in many cases this argument of Christians being no different than the rest of the world is no more than just an excuse and often they have no real examples as they are more focused on staying in the darkness rather than giving a fair evaluation of those living in the light.

However sometimes there is some validity to their argument.

So the question becomes...

How can we ensure we are living differently than the world?

Let’s read the rest...

Ephesians 5:15–20 NLT

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:

How can we ensure we are living differently than the world?

Be careful

Be Clear headed

Be filled with the Spirit