6 Things to Avoid
Today’s passage: Ephesians 5:1–4
Focus verse: Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)
In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he tells them to follow Father God’s example as his dearly loved children. Furthermore, they are to walk in love the same way that Jesus loved us when he sacrificed himself as an offering to God on our behalf.
Building on this, Paul lists six things we should avoid as God’s children who love others as Jesus loves us.
Paul says there shouldn’t be even a hint of sexual immorality, any kind of impurity, or greed. These do not align with—and are inappropriate for—the holy people of God.
There should be no obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking. These are all out of place as the Father’s children and followers of Jesus.
As we consider this list of six things to avoid, it’s easy to scan it and pick out the ones that aren’t an issue for us. This allows us to conclude we’re in good shape.
In doing so, however, we can easily overlook the remaining items we may struggle with.
Yet this list isn’t to condemn us for our wrong behaviors. Instead, it’s encouraging us in what is right. What is this proper action?
It’s thanksgiving.
That’s it. Paul contrasts thanksgiving against sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking.
Is Paul suggesting that thanksgiving counters these six negative traits? It seems like a simple prescription, but it might have merit.
If we focus on what we shouldn’t do, we merely call attention to wrong behavior. It’s like thinking of the foods we shouldn’t eat when we’re on a diet. That seldom works.
Instead, to counter these six sinful tendencies, we distract ourselves by focusing on thanksgiving. When we do so, the pull to do what is wrong lessens.
What are we to thank God for? Here are some ideas to get us started:
Foremost is our right standing with Papa through our salvation that Jesus provides.
Next consider spiritual blessings, such as a community of like-minded friends who follow Jesus. Another thought is how the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and teaches us.
We should also include physical provisions, such as a job that provides for us financially, a place to live, and the basic needs of life. Everything else is a bonus, which is also worthy of thanking God for.
As we offer our thanksgiving to God, our focus shifts away from what we shouldn’t do and toward the blessings from our Lord and Savior.
Questions:
- What do we think about offering God our thanksgiving as a way to avoid temptation?
- How can we better integrate a thankful heart into our everyday lives?
Prayer: Lord, we confess we don’t thank you as much as we should. May we turn our hearts to you in gratitude for who you are and all you’ve done.
[This devotional is taken from the November 4 reading in Thanksgiving with Jesus.]
Thanksgiving isn’t just a day—it’s a way of life. Let the 30-day devotional Thanksgiving with Jesus lead you into it. Then you can go deeper than the holiday.
Perfect for the Thanksgiving season or anytime you want to grow in gratitude.
Thanksgiving with Jesus is part of the beloved Holiday Celebration Devotionals Series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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