Walk In The Way Of Love

For this morning - Ephesians 5:1-4,8-20 NIV:

[1] "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

[3] 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. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 

[8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible---and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 

[14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I think I could just focus on the second and last verse quoted above for the rest of my life!  

Walking in the way of love, always giving thanks for everything, in the name of Jesus!  It sounds so simple, and yet the day to day effort to love all, to walk out this simple yet profound command, takes everything, and that is exactly how Jesus lived.  His example, His perfect obedience, His gratitude to the Father in the midst of everything, in the laying down His divinity, in choosing to empty Himself that He might become fully man, in knowing well the ultimate cost, is such a high bar for us to attain, and yet that is the invitation, as follows.

Luke 9:23-25 NIV: "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"

This is the life example of Jesus.  He embraced denying Himself daily, and followed the will of the Father perfectly!  His life, viewed from a logical, human perspective, made no sense.  Why would the Son of God come to earth and spend 30 years hidden away in a back country town as a carpenter?  The answer is that it was the Father's perfect plan, and Jesus embraced it fully!  He trusted and laid everything down, believing in the Father, believing that His life would lead to salvation for all, believing that His death would lead to resurrection, believing that one day He would reclaim everything that was rightfully His as the Son of God!  

In this light, we are invited to lay down our lives, take up our cross daily and follow Him.  Its voluntary.  It requires faith in His words, and His example.  This is not a simple invitation, and the Lord knows we need His help!  Walking in the way of love, loving others as He loved us (See John 13:34) is His command for us, and it is a daily choice.  

Oh Lord, help me today to embrace this invitation! 

Oh Lord, help me today to follow Your example!

Oh Lord, help me today to give thanks today for everything!

Oh Lord, above all else, help me to walk in the way of love!