A few years ago Larry Walters, who was 33 at the time, decided to take a look at his neighborhood from a whole new perspective. So he went down to the local army surplus store and bought himself 45 used weather balloons. He went home and strapped himself into a lawn chair. And then he had his friends fill the balloons with helium and tie those balloons to his chair. Off he went — with a peanut butter sandwich and a BB gun — figuring he would shoot out the balloons one at a time when he was ready to land.
Walters figured the balloons would lift him a hundred feet into the air. He miscalculated – the balloons carried him 11,000 feet into the sky, and put him smack dab in the middle of the air traffic area near the Los Angeles International Airport. The poor guy was scared to death. Too frightened to shoot out the balloons. So he was airborne for more than two hours, and they had to shut down the runways for most of the afternoon. As a result, flights across the country were delayed.
Finally they got him down and he was cited by the police. Then the reporters got a hold of him and asked him three questions: Were you scared? Yes. Would you do it again? No. Why did you do it? Because you can’t just sit there.
Ephesians 4 is a call to action. The apostle Paul is saying, “You can’t just sit there. You need to move away from the old life and get on with the new. And with that he gives us a picture of what that new life looks like.
Instead of lying your head off, always tell the truth: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Verse 25)
Instead of blowing your top, put all that angry energy into positive action: In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Verses 26, 27)
Instead of stealing, get a real job: Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Verse 28)
Instead of being foulmouthed, say things that are wholesome and constructive: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Verse 29)
Instead of ignoring the Holy Spirit, get connected: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Verse 30)
Instead of grinding the ax with everyone around, be kind, compassionate, forgiving, and loving: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Verses 31, 32)
When Jesus fills your life, you will get the ultimate lift. The big perspective. The adventure of a lifetime.
All passages cited taken from the New International Version.