Ephesians 4:17-31 (Waiting for Monday)

Recently, I was speaking with someone whom I didn't know well.  Mid-way through our conversation I found out that she claimed to be a Christian, and I was completely in shock because I just would not have guessed that in a million years based on the way I'd watched her live.  I went away from that conversation really asking the Lord to change me in such a way that it would be evident to all Whom I serve.  And included in our service to Him is the way we live. 

"Live no longer as the Gentiles (ungodly) do, for they are hopelessly confused.  Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him.  They don't care anymore about right or wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways.  Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed" (vs. 17-19).

When I read this, it makes me sad.  I know people like this, and I love people who live their lives this way.  Yes, they are making these choices for themselves, but the truth that they live their lives this way breaks Jesus' heart; and I pray that it will always break mine, too.  I have to remember as I read sections like this that it is not a checklist for me: "I don't do that; I don't do THAT; oh gosh, and I never do that.  I'm doing pretty well, I guess."  That attitude is just rooted in pride.  Were it not for God's grace toward me, where would I be?  Paul wants us to read that and then remember:

"But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ.  Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception" (vs. 22)

Throw it off.  This obviously doesn't mean take your time getting rid of impurity and greed.  Get rid of it immediately!  Today!  Now, I know, sometimes when I'm planning to start watching what I eat a little more, I might start by gearing up and saying, "well, I'll start Monday."  But there is no waiting for Monday here.  Whatever the Lord brings to your mind today, He wants you to throw it off.  Now!

"Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.  You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness--righteous, holy, and true." This is like what I shared with you about my mom yesterday.  Again, Paul is saying here, "You are a Christian. Here's how you act like it."  And do we not want to be made new?  Oh, please, do it in me, Lord.  As I continue to pray for God's guidance in my life, He continues to show me just how rotten I am left to my own devices and my own sinful nature.  I need Him to change me on the inside. 

Though God is the ultimate make-over guru (gosh, He's been making people new for a long time), it still requires a desire and willingness on our part to choose to make different choices.  See if any of these speak to you today:


"So put away falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other.  And don't sin by letting anger gain control over you.  Don't let the sun do down while you are still angry, for anger gives a might foothold to the devil.  If you are a thief, stop stealing.  Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need.  Don't use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (The Message says "Say only what helps, for each word is a gift).


"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.  Remember, He is the one who has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Get rid of all (read these slowly) bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Jesus Christ has forgiven you" (vs. 25-31).

If I slow down and read each of those slowly while really searching my heart, I see some things for which I need to ask God's forgiveness.  I even see one that I need to go ask forgiveness of someone I love.  It's not fun to find areas of my life like that, but I know in asking for forgiveness and then walking in the other direction, I will be walking one step closer to becoming like my Lord.

Don't wait for Monday.  Start walking toward Christ today!