July is almost over and soon August will usher in the end of Summer and pumpkin spice season will overtake us like a rushing tidal wave. During this time summer perennials will pass as those hardy annuals give what they can for their last hurrah. Here in Indiana, we are experiencing an unusually wet July. Let’s just say that I’ve enjoyed not mowing my lawn so much. The downside is to get things to stay dry enough to grow. It does help those plants I’ve moved. If only it was October! My fave month will be here before i know it!
What would you give to “arrive” spiritually while down here on Earth? Would you give your retirement? Your home and car? Would you allow your health to decline in order to be pure and holy among your family and friends? I can’t think of any possession, amount of money, or physical ailment to either lose or acquire just to say I have “arrived” while living here on Earth. There was only one man who did live a pure and holy life, Jesus Christ, and he said that anyone who lived a godly life would be persecuted. We are not above him (Matthew 10:16-24). But what if one could without the persecution? It would no doubt be miserable. Yet here in Ephesians 4:17-32 Paul give us the ingredients for living a godly life. Not one of a Pharisee but one of a servant, just like our Master.
Paul starts by contrasting the godly life against the sinful life. We are told in verse 17, “you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.” The reason is because their minds have been darkened and thus alienated from the life of God. Abruptly in verses 20 and 21 he calls to their attention, “But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.” Then he launches into the list of Put Offs and Put Ons… Spiritual Gro ingredients!
The Put Offs:
Lying
Sinful anger
Stealing
Corrupt (putrefied or rotten) communication
Bitterness
Wrath, clamour
Evil speaking, malice
The Put Ons:
Speaking truth
Sinless anger (righteous)
Labor, working with your hands
Words of edification
Kindness
Tenderheartedness (compassion, mercy)
Forgiveness (to give pardon)
The main ingredient? Renewal of the mind (verse 23). This renewal is divine by God’s power. It is something the Holy Spirit does in us and then comes out because of him. We are completely unable to renew our minds alone. Believe me I have tried and utterly failed. It is at these times of self-confidence that my loving Savior reminds me it is through him I can do all things (Philippians 4:13). He is able to accomplish that which he began a good work in me and will complete it until the day of salvation (Philippians 1:6). So how does one renew their mind? Psalm 119:9-11, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Simply, God’s word. It is an active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Try it.
Grace and peace, James
*Scripture from ESV, Crossway Publishers, 2001