Going through my Bible reading plan, I ran across Ephesians chapter 5. Now, In the past 9 months I have probably read the book of Ephesians 5 times or so. I love it. The instruction in it. The clear cut, simple directive to "imitate God" to "live in love" and how to go about doing just that. However, last week I switched to the God's Word Translation to spice things up and when I read Ephesians 5.1-4... It floored me!

Yes, yes, yes... we all know not to have sex outside of marriage, not to speak with foul language, not to kill-- I mean we know that-- even those who are not Christian know it-- even those that do it, know it's wrong. I mean adultery is against the law of the land. HOWEVER, my eyes bugged out when I read "Don't let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed EVEN BE MENTIONED AMONG YOU." DOn't even mention it.

Folks, my GOD requirers us to LIVE AT A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD that we are tolerating. I was convicted. What raced through my mind was the shows I watch that not only mention, but flourish and highlight sexual sin and perversion and greed. I am not talking about porn. Shows, regular primetime hour shows that use adultery, fornication, greed, backstabbing, lying, selfishness as old hat plot lines and punchlines. I thought of what I read online, in facebook alone-- finding the gossip, what's the juice out there?

After about 24 hours, I did some cleaning. I deleted some apps on my ipod. I am becoming even more self-restricted on what I am watching, how I am talking, what I am doing. I ain't perfect-- by any stretch of the imagination. But I am trying to IMITATE HIM MORE AND MORE everyday.

I was going to end there.. but here's this: As I'm typing I think, I WANT to do this. This isn't some strict rules I am forcing myself to live under. There is no begrudging these personal decisions. I WANT TO DO THIS. I want to change. I feel it is the Holy Spirit in me to make these adjustments in my personal life. It is so freeing to choose to be a slave of JESUS CHRIST. How weird is that? And I am not enforcing this on my family. I am not saying to my wife or child: You can't watch this, or do that... No, this is me. This is what I WANT TO DO. I am HIS SERVANT.

Praise GOD ALMIGHTY! I want to be like You, God. Everyday, Holy SPirit, help me to change. Show me what I need to do. Remove the scales from my eyes. And as I am obedient to your leading, reward me with YOU. You are my reward Father! I mean it. I want to see YOU. I want to see You. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.