“But this is not the way of life that Christ has unfolded within you. If you have really experienced the Anointed One, and heard his truth, it will be seen in your life; for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus!” — Ephesians 4:20-21 TPT
As I skim through the daily news articles on my iPhone my spirit is sorely grieved by the ongoing strife and contention in the midst of a global crisis when life changing decisions need to be made that will effect the future of an entire nation. I often ponder what will it take for this nation to return to its professed Christian roots.
Today, my thoughts turn to Ephesians 4:20, “you have not so learned Christ.” In the context of this chapter Paul speaks on our divine calling in Christ; the grace-gifts of Christ; and our new life in Christ in Ephesians Chapter 4. We should not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. Instead we are to remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth in love to others. -vv. 14-15
With divine wisdom given to him from the Lord, Paul encourages the church to not “live like the unbelievers around you who walk in their empty delusions. Their corrupted logic has been clouded because their hearts are so far from God—their blinded understanding and deep-seated moral darkness keeps them from the true knowledge of God. Because of spiritual apathy, they surrender their lives to lewdness, impurity, and sexual obsession.” —Ephesians 4:17-19 TPT
This is a much needed word for the Church today. As society and culture has corroded over time, we must be mindful not to allow the corruption to infiltrate our lives and become spiritually lethargic and apathetic.
We have been taught to let go of the lifestyle of the old man, the old self – life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions. We are to be continually renewed in our minds and life choices by every revelation that’s been given to us through the Holy Scriptures and by the Holy Spirit. And to continuously be transformed as we embrace the glorious Christ-within as our new life and live in union with him!
Ephesians 4:24-25 reminds you that “God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness. So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another.”
In the midst of a global pandemic and ongoing strife it may be difficult to choose between what’s right or righteous, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to choose righteousness over darkness. Don’t let the passion of your emotions and the daily controversy cause you to sin.
Don’t let anger control you or be fuel by revenge or spite, not for even a day. Don’t give the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you! And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth as a child of God, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.
Remember, “if you have really experienced the Anointed One, and heard his truth, it will be seen in your life; for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus!“ —vv. 20-21
I pray that you will continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord during this time. Stay in faith!
Dr. A
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 