We live in a world of sin and that sin can make it difficult to live as a Christian. Children of God must continually strive to live as Godly individuals in order to survive the onslaught of our enemy, Satan. Satan is actively working in the world means that the church at large is also facing the dangers that lead to ungodliness and certain destruction. How can we live as godly people and survive the dangers? In Ephesians 5:1-21, the Apostle Paul gives us the prescription to become God-like individuals. Paul knows that the church has to be strong to survive and he gives the following prescription.

In Ephesians 5:1, Paul states that we must be imitators of God. This involves what Paul said in the previous chapter. Paul said, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV). The child of God must be kind in all things; we can accomplish this by exhibiting compassion and forgiveness. Certainly these are attributes of the Godhead and were exhibited in the gift of Jesus to mankind ( John 3:2, 16) and taught by Jesus (Matthew 5:10-16; Matthew 5:38-42).

The Bible student is aware of the sexual immorality that prevailed in the city of Ephesus; the same is prevalent today. They are not only present is physical action but are common in various social forms. Paul taught us in Ephesians 5:3-4, that such things are not to be named among godlike persons. We should take note of Ephesians 5:5 where we are told that those who involve themselves in such will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In Ephesians 5:6-14, Paul warns Christians of the dangers of bad relationships. To remain pure the Christian must never be deceived by our associates and certainly never partake in their sinful acts. He then commands that we have no fellowship with them (Ephesians 5:11-14). Paul shows that Jesus is the light in a sin-darkened world and that association with him will bring us in the light. The light of Christ will indeed reveal the sinful darkness that exists in the world and will make it easier to avoid such sins. However, it is incumbent on the Christian to be wise and seek God (2 Timothy 2:15). Doing so reminds us of the dangers of the fruits of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). If God’s people avoid the sins of the flesh, they must fill their lives with fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-28).

The question at hand for Christians is have you been imitating God every day of your “newborn” lives? God not only expects it. He demands it. No one can imitate God without following His teachings. God has given us the perfect formula to be strong. What is your attitude towards the commands of God? Paul gives us the attitudes that we should have: We should first walk with soundness (Ephesians 4:17ff); we should walk with honesty (Ephesians 4:25ff) and we should have a loving, tender and kind heart as God does (Ephesians 4:32).

Are you a child of God seeking to walk in the light? Are you even a Christian? Why not become one today. By hearing God’s Word, repenting of sin, confessing Jesus as the Son of God and being buried with Him in baptism.

(Tony Hoss is minister at Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton.)