A few things jumped out for me from the NT passage:
(Red = Scripture, Blue = my thoughts)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Children almost always imitate their parents in some way. If you are raised by your parents you will pick up traits from them. As I teacher I often see this clearly during parent/teacher time :) It's that whole "apple doesn't fall far from the tree" saying. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant (noticeable to everyone around you) offering and sacrifice (giving of yourself willingly) to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.(in our society this is becoming so common that generations of kids are being taught that if it feels good to you then it's ok. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Clearly the bible says even "joking" in an inappropriate manner is unacceptable. 5 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. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.There is eternal judgement for short-sighted living 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; You become like the people you surround yourself with--choose wisely! 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. One day all that is hidden will be revealed. What will we have to answer for? 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, Proverbs 19:20 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. It's easy to be idle with our time, make poor decisions, and go along with what feels good at the time. The easy route is chosen by many but it has disastrous consequences.
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