The Dash
Every gravestone tells a story in three simple parts: the date someone was born, the date they died, and a small dash between them.
That dash may be the smallest mark on the stone, but it represents an entire life. It holds every decision, relationship, success, failure, act of love, moment of selfishness, and opportunity to follow God. We do not get to choose when our dash begins, and we may not know when it will end. What we can choose is how we live it.
The question is not simply how long our dash will be. The question is what our dash will say about us.
Walk in Love
Ephesians 5 begins with a clear calling:
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate God. Children often imitate their parents because they watch how they speak, respond, and treat others. In the same way, our lives should increasingly reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.
We are told to walk in love, but this is not a shallow or convenient kind of love. Christ showed us what genuine love looks like when He gave Himself for us. His love was sacrificial. It cost Him something.
Walking in love means putting others before ourselves. It means forgiving when forgiveness is difficult, serving when nobody is watching, and choosing obedience even when it costs us something. The way we love others is one of the clearest signs that Christ is changing our lives.
Leave the Darkness Behind
Paul also warns believers not to return to the sinful lives from which Christ rescued them. Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, foolish talk, and crude joking should not define the lives of God’s people.
This does not mean Christians will never struggle or fail. It means we should no longer become comfortable with the darkness. Sin should not be something we excuse, celebrate, or allow to control us.
Paul writes:
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
Notice that Paul does not simply say we were surrounded by darkness. He says we were darkness. But through Christ, everything has changed. We are now light in the Lord.
A changed identity should produce a changed life.
The fruit of that light is found in what is good, right, and true. Instead of asking how close we can get to sin without crossing the line, we should be trying to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Guard Against Greed
One of the dangers Paul identifies is covetousness, or greed. Jesus gives the same warning in Luke 12:15:
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
The world often measures a successful life by what a person owns. We are encouraged to pursue more money, more recognition, more comfort, and more possessions. But none of those things can give our lives eternal meaning.
There is nothing wrong with owning possessions, but there is great danger when our possessions begin to own us.
When our dash comes to an end, the things we accumulated will remain behind. Our money, homes, vehicles, awards, and collections will belong to someone else. What will matter is whether we knew Christ, loved others, and faithfully used what God entrusted to us.
A full house does not necessarily mean a full life.
Knowing About Jesus Is Not the Same as Knowing Him
Matthew 7 contains one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus describes people who claimed His name and even performed impressive works in His name. Yet He tells them, “I never knew you.”
These people knew the language. They appeared religious. They could point to the things they had done. But they did not truly know Christ.
This should cause each of us to examine our hearts. Christianity is not simply attending church, knowing Bible verses, saying the right things, or appearing spiritual around other people. Salvation is found in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ that produces faith, repentance, and obedience.
We are not saved by our works, but a life that has truly been transformed by Christ will not remain unchanged.
Wake Up
Paul closes this section of Ephesians with an urgent call:
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Maybe you have been going through the motions. Maybe you have allowed sin, greed, bitterness, or complacency to take control. Maybe you look like a follower of Christ on the outside, but you know your heart has wandered far from Him.
It is time to wake up.
Christ is calling us out of darkness and into His light. He is calling us to stop wasting the dash we have been given. We cannot change the years that have already passed, but by God’s grace, we can choose how we live today.
Your dash is still being written.
Walk in love. Reject the darkness. Guard your heart against greed. Seek to know Christ rather than merely knowing about Him. Live in a way that is good, right, true, and pleasing to the Lord.
One day, your dash will be complete. When that day comes, will your life show that you truly knew and followed Jesus?
Reflection Questions
Which of these truths stood out to you the most, and why?
What is one thing you want to do or change in your life because of this message?
Scripture References
Ephesians 5:1-14
Luke 12:15
Matthew 7:21-23