This week we cover a text that is to the modern audience one of the most well-known and controversial texts in all of the New Testament–to suggest it be read at a wedding today would lead to a public outcry. I think the reasoning is two-fold. It requires something the world doesn’t have and something the church hasn’t done.

Most of us are probably familiar with the old adage “Like Father, Like Son.”

It reflects the idea that children often inherit traits, behaviors, and tendencies from their parents, especially their dads. I often catch myself saying things or doing things that my father did and I catch my kids saying and doing things that I do. It’s awesome, but also terrifying to think–kids imitate their parents.

Ephesians 5:1 and following acknowledges this enduring truth and even encourages it, only we are not called to imitate our earthly fathers–we are called to be imitators of our heavenly Father as we walk in the footsteps of His beloved Son. Let’s talk about it!

One of my favorite things growing up about going back to school was getting to buy new clothes. With a new shirt and a new pair of shoes, I felt like the possibilities for me were endless. Like it was all I needed to live my best life. Our scripture passage from Ephesians is the perfect Back to School Sunday text because it reminds us that when we become followers of Jesus, we get a new set of clothes–we are clothed in Jesus, and these new clothes truly do make all the difference.

All of us are entered in the race. We are in the marathon of all marathons. This is the only race worth running, why not run it well? Bring your running shoes and join us this Sunday to learn how to be faithful to the finish!