"Carefully Determine What Pleases the Lord"

Scripture Passage

Ephesians 3:1-5:14

Scripture Focus

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

Observation

There’s so much loaded into Ephesians 3-5 it’s difficult to find a place to latch on! As a friend of mine likes to say, “It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose!” In chapter 3, Paul expresses the wonder of his calling—“extending God’s grace to the Gentiles” (3:2)—and offers a beautiful prayer on behalf of God’s people (3:14-21). He presents insightful descriptions of what Christ has done for the church and what should happen among us as a result (4:1-16). But perhaps most captivating to me are the simple, practical guidelines offered for the kind of daily living that brings honor to Christ…

“Stop telling lies” – Ephesians 4:25
“Quit stealing” – Ephesians 4:28
“Don’t use foul or abusive language” – Ephesians 4:29
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…” – Ephesians 4:31
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you” – Ephesians 5:3

All those commandments regarding what we ought not to do are balanced by commandments regarding what we ought to do…

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” – Ephesians 4:23
“Let us tell our neighbors the truth” – Ephesians 4:25
“Use your hands for good hard work…then give generously to others in need” – Ephesians 4:28
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” – Ephesians 4:32

There’s more, but I get to the point where—like the teacher of the law who approached Jesus with a similar question—I’m wondering, “Which commandment is the greatest?” And that’s when I arrive at Ephesians 5:10…

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

That seems kind of “bottom line” to me and I like it. It allows for the thoughtful insight demanded by our ethically complex days…days where there don’t always seem to be the black and white choices so easy to make. But it keeps the focus clear and precise—pleasing the Lord. That's really the goal, isn't it? At least it ought to be! And that simple verse reminds me of where this section started—“Therefore I…beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling” (Ephesians 4:1 NLT).

“Lead a life worthy of your calling. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Solid parameters for today’s decisions.

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