Ephesians 5:3-4
“Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.”
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”
This isn’t about what we do, although we certainly shouldn’t indulge in any behaviors listed here. It’s about a new orientation that results in changed behavior. God’s saves us. Only then can we live and act in the way we were made to, achieving our ultimate functionality. Like a well-oiled machine, life is easier and eternally productive.
Lord, I long to live like this but keep getting caught in worldly brambles. I am overwhelmed by physical misery and loose faith to pray. I fight hopelessness and despondency. Forgive me. Save me, for I am adrift. Help me cling to you for my life and work depends upon it.