Christian Living
Read Ephesians 4:17–24 and here is what you will find. Paul affirms with the Lord that the Christian should no longer live like those in the world; those outside of Christ. Those “Gentiles” (pagans)…
- Are excluded from the life of God because of ignorance
- The ignorance is because they have hardened their hearts.
- This hardness has lead to a callous mind and a life given to sensuality, impurity, and greediness.
The evidence of a soul separated from God because of sin is made evident by the life they live. But we as Christians are commanded to give up that former life and live a life that reflects the likeness of God.
Many Christians have failed to make the said transformation. They are still, in many ways, living like the “Gentiles.” And in doing so cause reproach to be brought upon the Lord and His church. Not to mention crucifying the Son of God afresh and trampling under foot the blood that was shed for their sins (Hebrews 6:6,10:29).
Many have failed and continue to stubbornly refuse to follow the instruction of Christ to take up their crosses (Matthew 16:24) and of Paul to be “living sacrifices”(Romans 12:1–2). How many are actually following the instruction of Inspiration to have the same mind as Christ (Philippians 2:5, 3:15)?
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Do you want to be pleasing to God? Do you want to spend eternity in the home Jesus is preparing for you in Heaven? What do you need to give up? And before you say, “I can’t,” listen to Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). What it boils down to is a matter of “want to.”
Bring your sins to Christ, obey Him, and be faithful! You can do it!