Reflecting on our walk
In Ephesians Chapter 4, Paul gives us a set of instructions that we should be following in order to walk in a path of righteousness that reflects Christ in our lives. Today’s word is a reminder of those instructions.
Do we need to search our hearts and evaluate our walk?
Yes! I believe that all of us, from time to time, need to remember the truths of God’s Word and compare His instructions to our walk. Our walk is what the world we live in sees. That walk also reflects what is in our hearts. The question, then, is simple: “Is our walk what it should be, and if not, how can we fix it?” I hope this Word will help us do that.
Let me begin:
In Verses 21-24 (paraphrased) Paul reminds us of what happened to us when we turned our lives to the Lord: “When you heard about Christ and were taught (His ways according to those truths.) You were taught, (about) your former way of life, and to put off your old self, which was being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Our lives changed when we accepted Him as Savior and as “Lord of our lives.” We were put onto a new path. We are now marching to a different drummer with a different set of rules to follow. Paul in the following verses gives us a sampling of those rules beginning in verse 25 and continuing through verse 32. A listing of them follows below. (paraphrased)
Therefore each of you must
- put off falsehoods
- speak truthfully to your neighbor, Why? Because we are all members of one body.
- If you become angry, do not sin.
- Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, giving the devil a foothold.
- If anyone has been stealing, he or she 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.
- Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, (anything that is against the will of God) whom you were sealed with for the day of redemption.
- Get rid of all bitterness,
- Get rid of all rage,
- Get rid of all anger,
- Get rid of all brawling,
- Get rid of all slander,
- Get rid of every form of malice.
- Be kind to one another, and
- Be compassionate to one another,
- Be forgiving to each other, just as in Christ (who paid the penalty for our sins through His death on the Cross) so that God can forgive us.
Paul spoke of transformation, in this passage, urging us to embrace our new identity in Christ. It involved shedding lies, bitterness, anger, and anything defining our life apart from God. Our new self must mirror God's likeness—righteous, holy, compassionate, honest, controlled in anger, generous, healing in words, and forgiving as we’ve been forgiven. When we show undeserved kindness, the Spirit rejoices.
I’d like to leave you with some questions to think about.
- What “old self” habits do you find hardest to take off?
- Are there relationships where you need to extend forgiveness today?
- How can your words build others up this week?
And a prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me new in Christ. Help me to walk in a way that reflects Your holiness and love. Remove any bitterness or anger from my heart and fill me with compassion and kindness. Teach me to forgive, just as You have forgiven me. Amen.
Ed Johanson
*CSB) is published by Holman Bible Publishers, a division of Lifeway Christian Resources.