Our souls grow in the swirling backdrop of wild philosophies that present themselves as new when they’re just coming around again deceiving, bringing regret and strife as they’ve done over the centuries.
If we could only see through it.
Their claims seem so virtuous and right but we forget how cunning our soul’s enemy can be. Ephesus was a city that 2000 years ago had a strong economy based on the commerce from their territorial goddess that “clearly fell from heaven” (Acts 19:35). Their cry, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians,’ supposedly promised help with fertility and childbirth.
To speak or act against their god was blasphemous. That’s the context of the fledgling group to whom Paul wrote the New Testament letter to the Ephesians where he and his companions had caused a significant riot. (Acts 19:32) These new believers were being called to live there, in the midst of opposing philosophies and powers; to live out their newfound faith and to love one another in that darkness and confusion. Ruins – temple of Artemis
Paul’s charge to them was to begin to allow this scandalous notion of God’s choice of them, and His incomprehensible love for them to bring peace and reconciliation between centuries-old differences and prejudices.
A new walk was called for. Walk in a new way, walk in love, walk in light, walk worthy of your calling, walk in good works, walk as wise, walk in God’s strength to fight against the prevailing philosophies and powers.
The letter is a treatise for living life against the backdrop of contrary forces. Being rooted and grounded in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17) walking in and speaking the truth in love would bring a flagrant contrast to their old manner of life. This would get the attention of evil forces that they would need to “withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:10-13). Not an easy notion that called upon His power in their inner beings. (Ephesians 3:16)
What is the backdrop of your soul growth?
How will your rootedness lead to a new walk that goes against the flow of the present day?