May 7, 2014
Central Truth
With Christ in our lives, our lives should look different. We should live our lives in a different manner than the world around us does. People should ask why we are a certain way. People should be able to see God in us.
[A]nd to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, 1 4:22 Greek man; also verse 24 which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Growing up, I didn't believe in God, and I definitely had no understanding of who Christ was. I actually spent a good chunk of time making fun of Christians and their "strange" behavior. Living the first 29 years of my life separated from Christ was confusing, painful, and exhausting. I am thankful to the people in my life who continued to speak truth to me and love me well, even when I rejected it -- and them. About five years ago, I dropped to my knees and accepted Christ into my life. Since that time, my life has dramatically changed. I am now eager to do His will and strive to think in a way that pleases Him.
Growing as a Christian is a process. It takes time to shed my old self. I am beyond grateful for my community group and close friends who speak truth and hold me accountable, because I fall short daily. I try to keep my focus on the Lord, moment by moment, with a childlike faith and an active dependence on Him. I strive to remain focused on truth. Truth is my goal because I am in Christ who is truth Himself (John 14:6).
Growing as a Christian is not merely a change in beliefs, it is a change in behavior, outlook, and attitude. Everything we do throughout the day either advances the cause of Christ or gets in the way of it. That is a hard truth, isn't it? Our words should be true and pure and help those who hear them. We should share truth with everyone, but never forget that our actions speak louder than our words. If we treat others as God treats us, we fulfill everything Paul told us to do in this chapter. We should be living out His transforming work in us so that others will be able to see God through us.
1. Would others say that your actions match your words?
2. What could you start doing today to help you become more of an imitator of God?
3. Who do you have in your life to hold you accountable?