Gratitude : a lens to shift all of life’s expectations
This week we are looking at a passage from the letter to the Ephesians. So, before we begin, let’s use the four questions to help us give this passage context:
Who wrote it? It was purportedly by Paul, the one who saw the image of Jesus on the road to Damascus. But when scholars analyse the words that he used, the length of the sentences, the emphasis he chooses to give in this letter, it starts to point towards a later author. Someone who wanted to resolve what they thought were big issues in one of Paul’s Churches: the relation of Jews and others in the church. Not much has changed.
Who was it written to? It was directed towards one of the Churches, principally the one in Ephesus. This was in the area called Asia Minor, now Turkey. Now, Ephesus was a wealthy point of call for all merchants. It also was a focal place for the worship of Artemis – in fact, it was regarded as one of the wonders of the world.
Artemis was the goddess of hunting and archery, but to the Ephesians their emphasis was on birth and fertility, where she was considered a mother goddess in line with figures like Rhea (Greek) and Cybele (Roman). In addition, she is often cited as similar to figures in other belief systems, such as the Egyptian Isis, for her relationship to motherhood and birthing.
So with so many folk passing through Ephesus, and its emphasis on fertility, things may of got out of hand often; in fact gross immorality was often cited. Think of any large city…
When was it written? Many sources ascribe that this was written in the period 60-63 AD, when Paul was imprison in Rome. However, others would strongly suggest, as above by Ehrman, that this was a deutero-Pauline text, written by someone else with an axe to grind, around 90 AD.
Why was it written? To offer a way of turning from the materialism of magic, immortality and to reflect the true image of God. It was a book for practical transformation. Let’s dive in.
Key points : Ephesians 5: 15-20
Value your time
Well, anyone just entering into that phase of retirement will have heard that “use your time wisely, as you don’t know when it will end“. Thanks for that, but they have a point. Even as a youngster (less than 60?) we should use whatever time we have profitably. Ah, making money then?
No, it’s not capitalism, this is life. The author uses the word exagorazomenoi to describe the use of time. It’ like moving through the schedule of the day efficiently. That is not all go; it might well also mean resting to reflect on the day that’s been or to come – more of which later.
Focus upon Truth
It was Pilate who threw in that pearler into the conversation with Jesus, “What is truth?”. I used to think that this was inspired philosophical thinking, but in today’s often tense if not violent world, I now fear it was an example of divisive spin. Set to divide us, to deflect from the main issues and just get us to bicker with each other.
In the last month we have seen or heard many instances of misinformation or disinformation, of people stating their perspective of the truth, and of offering questions which merely stoke anxiety of others. The author here was strongly suggesting that we reflect carefully upon what we say, and to bolster people, and not to divide communities.
Be filled
When I go running, or walk around the town, I could tell you where I have been, but I have also failed to notice the wonders of the past. They might be plaques mounted high, denoting the date that the building was completed, or the intricate edging up high suggesting the state of the finances of the owner back then. When we look up, we notice more of our world as we pass on by. We can look into the faces of others, we can start to engage. Perhaps, it is when we actually engage with one another, we see an aspect of the holy.
The author speaks of being filled with the Spirit. We may often set this aside for when we are in Church; please don’t. It is a 24/7 thing. Allow ourselves to look up, engage with folk, whenever we can.
Give thanks
Don’t keep your faith a secret, but don’t be a complete pain by ramming it down their throat. Giving thanks for what happens to us can be very difficult, especially when all three buses come together. We might possibly give another person a boost but changing the scenery around them with some thanks : looking up.
One way we can start that change in ourself is to practice gratitude. Try to find time each and every day to give thanks for. Perhaps three things: not achieved world peace, we can leave that to the weekend. 🙂 However, three things which have happened which raised a smile or gave us a lift, even if they were a set back. Today, I found that the roof was generally rotten; however, there were ways of resolving the matter progressively. Initially I was downhearted, more costs coming my way; but, then, a way forward was found. Give thanks.
Gratitude : a lens to shift all of life’s expectations
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