Christian Life in Contrast
Most of the day I spent at the Larimer County Republican Assembly. It was a large crowd and my first event of this kind to attend since our move to Fort Collins. It was good to see many people that I know and to meet some new friends. I resisted allowing myself to be nominated as a candidate for any office. I believe that is continuing evidence of overcoming the brain trauma I experienced during my health crisis.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” Ephesians 4:22-24 HCSB
“Change” and “new” are words that speak to life in Christ. When I was with Teen Challenge I talked about “transformation” not restoration. Restoration is returning something (or someone) to a former state. Transformation on the other hand is the manifestation of that which has never been. It is newness in fullness and all it is meant to be.
As I was reading Ephesians, I took note of the contrasts between the “old” life and “new” of the believer. Paul reminds these believers of the past and us today, of what we should “put off” and “put on.” Here are some of the admonitions…
“put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor…” (Eph. 4:25 HCSB)
“Be angry and do not sin…” (Eph. 4:26 HCSB)
“The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands…” (Eph. 4:28 HCSB)
“No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:28 HCSB)
 “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you…be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Eph. 4:32 HCSB)
“Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.“ (Eph. 5:4 HCSB)
“…you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.“ (Eph. 5:8 HCSB)
“Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Eph. 5:11 HCSB)
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—…” (Eph. 5:15 HCSB)
“…don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit…” (Eph. 5:18 HCSB)
We see the “Christ-life” is one that stands in contrast to the values of the world and what comes natural to the human heart. Our new life in Christ impacts how we view ourselves, others and our world. We gain insight into the conflict of the spiritual realm that provides wisdom for living and keeps us from “giving the Devil a foothold” in our life. We see that is what is in us is to emanate from us. That impacts our words and our relationships with others. We value others as the Lord does and understanding God’s grace that has been extended to our life, we in turn become “grace extenders” to others. I urge you to consider this list and what each statement means for your life.
I grew up in a Christian home and in an era where “separation from the world” and “distinctiveness” as a believer was view in terms of dress and activities. The guidelines Paul provides strike more at the real issues of what allow the life of those who follow Christ stand in contrast to the life they had known and how the “world” lives.