Thursday, August 27: Ephesians 4- Living God's new life.

How does God want me to live?   Verses 25-32 provide part of the answer I seek. I bolded the verbs because they are the action-communicators of the sentences. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (25-32).

With Paul’s writing style it was harder to pinpoint the action-words than I anticipated. Much more of the sentences ended up bolded than I anticipated. Still, this exercise helped me see the key behaviors on which God desires me to work.

Speaking truthfully and honorably builds up others with my words. (Paul mentions our words 2 or 3 times in these few sentences. Our words and how we use them on others are VERY important.)

Controlling my anger so that bursts don’t hurt people. (I think of the Fruit of the Spirit… as I ponder this see Gal 5:23).

Working honestly, not stealing, in order to be helpful for others. (Working isn’t merely for my sake, it is for the sake of others, too… very 20th and 21st Century counter-cultural).

Don’t grieve God, the Holy Spirit. (Keep my heart and ears open to the Lord at all times, following His lead all my days.)

These few sentences offer many places where I continually need to work to keep my life in line with God’s will.

I have much homework for today and the rest of my life.  How about you?

God, purge me and purify me that the dross, the sin and selfishness, of my life is burned off and what remains is only that which honors and glorifies You. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

 

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