Today's Passage - Ephesians 5:4-7

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Ephesians 5:4-7   "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.  Therefore do not be partners with them."   In this passage, Paul mentioned a few things that believers should take part in.  First of all, we must stay away from "obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking."  It doesn't mean that we need to carry a serious and pious look all the time.  Christians should be humorous because our God is filled with humor; He made the donkey speak to Balaam, and he disciplined Jonah through a fish.  Also, Christians should be filled with joy, because Psalm 16:11 says that "you will fill me with joy in your presence."  We can sing and dance in joy before God, but it's different from foolish talk.  Those who carry foolish talk don't fear God and respect people, for they manifest self-centered arrogance.  As Christians, we ca be different from others, but we must respect them.  No matter how different we are from each others, we are all made in the image of God.  When we don't respect people, we do not fear God.  Therefore, we must be cautious with what we say and beware of speaking words that hurt others.   Next, we must not be greedy, because being greedy is just like idol-worshipping.  When one is greedy, his desires form the center of his life, and he will do whatever it takes to satisfy his desires, thus desires become the highest priority in his life.  Greed has no end, the more you have the more you desire, and you will never be completely satisfied.   Third, we must pay attention to what kind of people we're spending time with, and stay away from those who are evil.  If you are always with people who are negative, you will become negative; if you are always with people who go after things of the world, you will also go down the same path of the world.  Therefore, we must stay near those who have fire inside so that our hearts will not cool down.  When you thirst for the Lord, you should seek to have God's fire light your life.  This fire can only be passed onto you from others who have it.  I used to go back to Southeast Asia every year to meet with a group of brothers who are devoted to God, because I envy their dedication and fire for God.  Whenever I went back I would talk with them about God's Kingdom and pray together.  My heart was greatly encouraged and the fire in their hearts was passed onto me.  Brothers and sisters, you need to pay attention to the person you are following, because the people you are spending time with will definitely impact your life.                                                                                   Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, please guard our heart and mind.  Let us be in you all the time and be molded by you.  Keep us from saying words that don't please you.  Help us to distant ourselves from the evil ones in our daily life, but be close to people with fire inside them so we can seek your way together.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!