Daily Light - May 5, 2011

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"But fornication (sexual sin)and all uncleanness (impure motives) or covetousness (greed),

let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints."

Ephesians 5:3

A man by the name of Dick Fosbury revolutionized a part of sports that most of us hardly ever think about: the high jump. His technique which became known as the "Fosbury flop" changed the sport so that the bar could literally be set higher for future jumpers. Fosbury's technique became the standard by which all high jumpers are held.

Paul is telling the church in Ephesus that there is another standard by which they must abide that is far more important. This standard is what is fitting and expected for the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The bar is most definitely set higher for those that would be called the children of God. Unfortunately, there is often a move to set the bar where we want it instead of God. Some do it because they are trying to be more "relevant" to the culture, and they don't want to stand out in the world. Others move the bar lower because they are trying to cover up for their own sin or even the sins of others. One crowd confronts sin by admitting to it but excusing it because "no one is perfect and we are all messed up any way". Another group tries to ignore the sin and act as if it doesn't exist; instead of confronting it they stick their head in the sand and hope that it all goes away. Any accusations of wrong doing are met with statements like "don't judge me" or "you are just trying to stir up trouble".

The church of Jesus Christ needs to take steps to reclaim the testimony of Jesus Christ in this world. It is a travesty that sexual sin, selfish motives, and financial greed are tolerated among God's people. From the pulpit to the pew there needs to be a call for all immorality to be done away with. People who claim to be children of the King are wallowing around in the hog pen of sin but then trying to wash up on their own and walk into the church. The world sees this and they rightly say that those who do so are hypocrites. 99% of the church can be doing right, but that 1% that is living in hypocrisy will be the focus of this lost world.

We must confess our sins and get right with a holy God. We need to confront brothers and sisters that are living in sin in order to restore their souls. It may cost you friendships, relationships, or even positions, but it is well worth doing what is right for the glory of God.

May you be honest in your heart before God today!