As we explore Ephesians 2: 1-10 together, we look at that which is bringing death to us, as well as the beautiful solution of God’s grace that restores us.
One of the deadly environments we look at is what Paul refers to as “the world” and how we ought not follow “the ways of the world”. Of course Paul was not saying that everything in this world is evil. Yet there are clearly some aspects of our culture, and the values which it espouses, which are out of sync with the life in Christ.
There is a great danger to us if we allow these values to go unchecked in our lives. In considering this it raises the question of how to call these values out?
One way is to do it personally. To periodically reflect on our recent choices and behaviour to see what story our lives are telling. What values are reflected in the life we live? Are they of God?
Other times, we need to speak to the truth in love. It might be to question something in our culture which is accepted as a norm, but is clearly out of sync with God. Even in this, we need to check our hearts and ensure we bring an attitude to see the best for another, rather than to simply tear another down.
Finally, live differently. Let our lives consistently tell a different story from the “ways of the world” that cause others to question what they have accepted as normal.
