Fill and Spill

TNIV Scripture for Monday, August 4, 2008 [Ephesians 5:1-4]

Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way 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 the Lord's people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
God                                                 Christ
Example for you                                 Loved you
Dearly loves you as his child                Gave Himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God

God's standard is impossible apart from God's saving and sanctifying grace. However, as you read Ephesians 5:1-4, you may be thinking that God has given you a to do list and your job is to start doing it. However, Ephesians 5 when read in the context of Ephesians 1-4, no longer looks like a to do list. Instead you can begin to see that it is the reflection of a life filled with God's love and grace through the gospel of Christ. God wants to fill you with Himself to satisfy you. As you go before Him and acknowledge that you are weak and you cannot live godly and exchange your weaknesses for His strength, you will spill out His character everywhere you go. Your only job is to fill with and spill out God's grace. There is great relief and freedom when you realize it is not your job to be good and that as you fill and spill His love and grace, you will "walk in the way of love."

Beth Warlick, 8/4/2008 1