Ephesians 5:5-7 (ESV)
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them.
Explanation:
I sometimes turn on episodes of old TV shows like “Fantasy Island” in the evening after dinner. (For those who were not alive in the late 1970’s/early 80’s, Google it sometime. It’s a classic!) The premise of the show is that people pay a man named Mr. Roarke, the “owner” of a tropical island, for an opportunity to make their dreams come true over the course of 48 hours.
In one episode, a wealthy elderly man asked Mr. Roarke to allow him to see his family for “their true selves” so that he knew which family members to leave his fortune to. He wore a disguise and asked probing questions to the family members about the old man. One by one, everyone in his family had their motives revealed. In the “real world” they acted sincere and true toward the old man, knowing that he was aging and they stood to gain a huge inheritance. Behind closed doors, however, their behaviors were corrupt and greedy. Eventually the teenage granddaughter, often thought of as the “outcast” of the family because she acted differently than the others, was the one who the man chose to inherit his fortune. He revealed to the others that because their closed-door behaviors were immoral, they didn’t meet his standards.
In the text leading up to this passage, Paul gave examples of negative behaviors that we should avoid. In the same way that the old man in the TV show was seeking out true and sincere behavior, God is asking the same of us. Paul reinforced that God’s children are to live for the good of the church, and that these negative things are not the image that God wants us to portray of him. It’s not enough to put on a good “outward appearance” and hope that will give you the eternal benefit. If we call ourselves God’s children, then our thoughts and actions must reflect how God would have us live, and do so consistently.
Application:
Have you ever put on an “outward appearance” to disguise a flaw? When you peel away the mask, what remained?
When you think about eternal inheritance, what images come to mind?
Devo Plus:
Read more about our heavenly inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5. There are four key qualities to reflect on in this passage in regards to our inheritance: it is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and reserved in heaven for you.
Prayer:
Father, today I thank You for Your grace. I thank You that when You look beneath the surface, You expose my true feelings and behaviors to lead me to repentance. It is my desire to earn the inheritance You have set aside for me, and I ask You to guide me each moment as I walk through this life. Forgive me of my sins and shortcomings and give me the strength to be bold and courageous in Your name. Thank You for all that You’ve done to help me shine brighter for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.