Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" ..... 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the activities of the remnant people of God should be in harmony with the solemn truths we espouse, especially in view of the imminent return of Christ in the clouds of heaven. The apostle starts by saying we ought to walk in love, meaning that love to God and man should be the spring board of all our thoughts and actions, and this is first manifested vertically, in the keeping of all of God's commandments, including the seventh day Sabbath, and next horizontally, by deeds of genuine kindness and concern for our fellowmen. This latter application not only refers to the feeding of the homeless and poor, and the visiting of the sick, but it also applies to proactive measures to be taken on a regular basis, to present the gospel of salvation to those who are presently estranged from God. Anything that is in harmony with the above, together with other essential activities such as work, regular exercise, and clean forms of recreation will be in keeping with the "Activities of the remnant".
But then the apostle addresses the sort of activities we should avoid, as being counterintuitive to our purpose and mission as the children of God, and these forbidden activities run the entire gamut of self-centered indulgences to the downright sensual and vile, which are promoted in the world as being standard procedures which everyone indulges in. These include filthiness, covetousness, prostitution, idolatry, and fornication etc. He also adds that because of these things the judgments of God are permitted to come upon such as practice these evils. One of the so-called entertainments that have gained the popular support of many Christians in our day is that of "foolish jesting and joking" which has become a mainstay in the forms of "Saturday night live" and "Comedy central", which boast many millions of Christians as avid subscribers.
The mind that is stayed on God, and which aspires to things of eternal interest will not have a desire for the joking and jesting that takes place on these shows, for the Christian finds his utmost delight in the presence of God, and in the study of His word and character. The Bible teaches us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and we should try listening to our own selves to see what issues peak our interest most. And if we find that God and spiritual things are our choice of last resort in conversation, meditation, and recreation, then we may know for sure that something is seriously wrong in our lives, that needs to be addressed most urgently. When a person is truly converted, their first delight is to commune with God and to speak of heavenly things, and this will be made manifest by their eagerness and intense interest in such matters. Let's read:
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so" ...
The reason why the ungodly are "Not so", is because they have an entirely different agenda to the Christian who is earnestly looking forward to Christ's soon return, and therefore the interests of those who are on the other side of the fence are centered squarely in the present. That's why the low and the vile products of the media has appeal for such, and hilarious events and gambling, and incessant games, and sports, and money-making are their idols which they worship day in and day out. Christ has stated clearly that the road which leads to eternal life is straight and narrow, meaning that the Christian should be intensely focused on the things of eternal moment, rather than being absorbed and consumed with the mundane and fleeting pleasures of this earth. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates the stated mindset of the remnant, whose consequent activities will always be guided by their perspective on life. Let's read:
Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what The Spirit saith unto the churches. "Good night" and God bless!