Live as children of light

I was looking out for the verse of the day on my YouVersion bible app, but opened Ephesians 5 as it was displayed on my home page. I can't recall if I've set a kind of daily reading plan for it T_T which may explain that. But yeah anyway I read it and thought it was quite applicable.

Ephesians 5

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them. 

 ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said: 

   “Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.” 

 ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What was most salient to me was verse 4 - "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving". It is so very common in university and especially at this age, where friends are constantly making sick jokes, jokes with sexual innuendos, freely using profanities, among other forms of speech. Language is so beautiful and yet it can be used in transmission of such unclean, unholy  stuff. I was, initially, uncomfortable with hearing these (the sick jokes), but eventually got used to them and even started saying them as well. This is a reminder: not to engage in such conversation, but to live wisely (verse 15) and watch my actions.

I love praising and worshipping God through songs. It's through music (and dance, actually) that my innermost feelings can be expressed, and make me feel more engaged with God. In fact I worship more than I pray. So when I read verses 18-20, something just clicked. I've always wanted to have a kind of Christian group in hall where residents can worship together, share the Word, and pray for one another, including the hall. I've always envisioned this... maybe it's time to start this again next year, because this really lifts the spirit and life would be so much more meaningful. And pure.

God's Word is so practical, and yet contains so much wisdom. The challenge comes in trying to live as He wants us to.