The section of Ephesians 4:17-32, even on through Ephesians 5:18, seems a good deal different than the earlier part of Ephesians. Paul bears down; it is full of commands about the behavior of the Ephesian readers. That grabbed my attention.
Analyzing it, I came to the conclusion that the Christians in Ephesus were struggling with their pasts. Whether they will make it over the long haul as followers of Jesus is up for grabs. I mean, why warn people about something they aren’t likely to do anyway? The fact that the warnings are so strong suggests that the Ephesians are likely to relapse or, as we say in the church, backslide. Paul was trying to interrupt that likelihood.
To make it as a Christian, it is probably wise to keep reminding oneself how easy it is to quit behaving like Jesus. Holiness is a decision; it requires effort. Sinning happens without much effort at all. Since we at TMC are reading Ephesians this time for ideas about making ripples, it would seem that ripple-making requires effort too; it doesn’t just happen. Ripple-making is related to holiness. Holiness, Jesus-like behavior, creates credibility and integrity. There are some ripples that Steve Moore won’t make unless he walks his talk.
