Beyond do's and don'ts

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For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Yamasaki's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and online-only content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

In my Bible, this week's reading from Ephesians bears the title, "Rules for the New Life." The text reads like a laundry list of more or less unrelated instructions. Put away falsehood. Speak the truth, be angry but don't sin, and do not make room for the devil. Give up stealing and work honestly. Speak only what is useful for building up; do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Put away bitterness, anger, slander, and malice.