Reflections on Ephesians

Reflections on Ephesians

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.  

Ephesians 5:1-3

The above is a rather short passage to base an entire address upon.  But, as is the case with most of Paul’s writings, the subject matter is so intentionally deep that one often misses the point, unless considerable amounts of reflection are devoted thereunto.  In the above verses, Paul addresses two areas of sin – sex and greed – and one area of positive instruction – be ye holy, as Christ is holy.  The area of sexual sin is important, to be sure, as choosing not to observe God’s admonitions will surely “disrupt shalom,” as one thinker has put it.  But, as I was pressed with this issue last night, I am beginning to wrap my mind around the notion that the use of money is an even more important indicator of our spiritual health than the use of sex.  Yes, I have known  for some time that Christ addresses in the Bible the topic of money even more than sex, and even more than any other topic.  But I always thought that the sheer symbolic nature of sex would place our sexual activity in a more important place.  I am beginning to think that I have been misguided.  

While our sexual behavior is indeed an important indicator of our spiritual health – Paul indeed called for “not even a hint” of sexual immorality – for sure, the pitfalls of greed can be worse, if not even more widespread than those of the sexual nature.  

More to come soon.  An appointment awaits…