As a teenager, I absolutely loved all types of Christian music. One of my theories is that for every secular artist, there is a comparable Christian artist as God always provides a way of escape. I went through a punk rock phase and discovered a band called Philmont. Their song “The Difference” came to mind as I pondered the title for this blog. A verse in the song goes as follow: “I've tried so hard to mix the old life with the new. But there's no in between if I'm gonna follow You. There's gotta be a difference. It's gotta be significant. If You're really inside changing my life…You would shine, You would be evident.” As a teen, I’ll be honest the music video and contemporary rock vibes were more appealing; however, the lyrics prove ever true. As Christians, there must be a difference in our lifestyle in comparison to the world. There are areas that culture tries to blur but the Bible is explicitly clear on them. I wanted to briefly touch on some found in the book of Ephesians.
The chapter focuses on the conduct of Christians. Three listed things to avoid include sexual immorality, impurity, and greed. On the surface, these words seem a little vague. Our culture has redefined sexuality so much that what is wrong to one may not be wrong to another. So, let’s dig deeper into these words. In the Greek, sexual immorality is the word “porneia” which is used to describe “fornication, illicit sexual activity, adultery, incest, harlotry, and idolatry” in the Bible. In essence, the term encompasses any sexual activity outside the proper context between a man and woman in marriage. In case that wasn’t clear enough, the next thing Christians are told to avoid is impurity. Although the Greek usage of this word can mean “lawlessness”, it further elaborates on sexual immorality through its additional meaning of “sensuality, lasciviousness, and uncleanness”. This word hammers the idea of abstaining from sexual impurity. Out of curiosity, I looked up the word “greed”. It seemed out of place in comparison to the other two words. While the word means the obvious, another definition of the Greek word “pleonexia” is to have “covetousness or desire for advantage”. Coveting is the act of looking on something or someone and wishing it for yourself. So, one may ask what these three things have in common? The answer is idolatry. It’s putting the cravings of the flesh on the throne of your heart instead of allowing yourself to be transformed by the power of Christ.
When Christ comes into your life, there is a change. Ephesians says that Light only produces “what is good, and right, and true”. Our conduct should reflect a heart change. Darkness and light cannot occupy the same space. It’s either dark in a room or it’s bright, but never both. Don’t be fooled by the culture around us. Jesus is coming for a spotless church, one without even a hint of those characteristics. Instead of blending in with the world, there must be a difference. We are called to shine a light on wrongdoings thereby pushing out the darkness. A lifestyle that imitates Christ brings conviction and curiosity. People will wonder about this God who empowers us to live holy. So, are you an imitator of Christ? Is there a difference?
Be encouraged! :)
written by Christa Martina
FB page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:1, 3-11 (NLT) “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children… 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.”
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