If there is one problem in this world, it’s that it takes sin lightly, even to the point of joking about it. But sin is not something to be taken lightly. Especially by Christians.
So Paul says,
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:3-4)
In other words, our lives should be so holy, that no one should be able to even begin to accuse us of any impropriety, not even in our speech. Again, sin is not something to take lightly or joke about.
But how often do we do that when talking about TV shows, movies, songs or anything to do with pop culture.
How often do we ever say, “You know, what that character did in that drama or comedy was sinful.”
Or “What that singer is singing about will lead to eternal death if she doesn’t repent.”
We just don’t think that way.
“Oh come on. Lighten up,” some of you may say. “This is the world we live in.”
But that’s exactly the problem. Too many Christians are becoming like everyone else in the world, taking sin far too lightly.
But Paul reminds us,
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 5:5-6)
In short, sin is serious business. People are under God’s wrath because of these things. People are going to hell because of these things. How then can we take them lightly?
So Paul tells us,
Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. (Ephesians 5:7-14a)
God calls us to be totally different from the world around us. They are living in the darkness of sin. We used to live that way too. But now Paul says we are light in the Lord, and because of that we should live that way.
Our lives shouldn’t be bearing sin with all its fruit. We should be bearing the fruit of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
So instead of celebrating sin, we should be exposing it with the light of Christ for what it is: something that destroys.
And we should be calling out to those around us,
Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Ephesians 5:14b)
How about you? Are you taking sin lightly? Have you forgotten how serious it is?
Remember that Jesus died because of sin. And now he calls us and those around us to come out of it, and into new life.
Are you living that new life? And are you calling others into it as well?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 