by Pastor Rich Carlson

Paul holds a high standard for God’s people, clearly outlining what it means and what it does not mean to be a follower of Christ. Notice the emphasis on positive counsel—there are almost three times as many dos as don’ts.

• Being followers of Christ means:
  • being "imitators of Christ" (5:1).
  • living "a life of love" (5:2).
  • giving thanks (5:4).
  • living "as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)" (5:8,9).
  • finding out "what pleases the Lord" (5:10).
  • being "very careful" how we live—"living as wise" (5:15).
  • "making the most of every opportunity" (5:16).
  • understanding "what the Lord’s will is" (5:17).
  • being "filled with the Spirit" (5:18).
  • speaking to one another "with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" (5:19).
  • making music in our hearts to the Lord (5:19).
  • "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything" (5:20).
  • submitting to one another and intentionally caring for one another "out of reverence for Christ" (5:21).
• Being followers of Christ also means:
  • not having "even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed" (5:3).
  • not using even a bit "of obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking (5:4).
  • not even mentioning "what the disobedient do in secret" (5:12).
  • not being "foolish" (5:17).
  • not "getting drunk" (5:18).

Paul tells us that people will try to deceive us with empty words—but don’t fall for it or "be partners with them" (5:6-7).

The clear directives in this chapter show what it really means to follow and serve Christ. It is my personal testimony that as I follow Him more He is eager to respond with blessings. My life goes better, and will continue to go better, as I commit myself to living the life He has called me to live.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.