Consider the Way You Live

On By Ed AlgreenIn Attitude, Obedience, Our Character

Tuesday, 2016-09-20

Scripture

Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:21–24

Bible Text:  21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Bible Translation: New Living Translation (NLT)

My Take

I believe that no matter what this scripture says, many of us will look at ourselves and be convinced that, at conversion, we had indeed thrown off our old sinful selves, and have since allowed God’s Holy Spirit to lead our lives. Well, I want to challenge you on that today by presenting you with additional scripture to that above, with hopes that we will more honestly evaluate ourselves. In verses 30-32 of the same chapter, the Word of God says:

30 … do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Friends, I want to encourage you to go through the attributes mentioned in verses 31 and 32 and determine which side of the fence are you on. Talk with God first, so that He could help you rid yourself of all self-bias and therefore look honestly at yourself. If you still feel like you have one or more attributes from verse 31, then you are probably still bringing sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit, as indicated in verse 30. The good news for each of us today is that there is help for us. God will still hear our prayer and help us to overcome our weaknesses, if we confess it and ask for His help. Please don’t be content in allowing the behavior attributes from verse 31 to continue, but instead bring joy to God’s Holy Spirit by living out the attributes of verse 32. Our desire should always be to live out the character of Jesus, and with His help, we can do exactly that every day, if we choose to, and if we ask for His help to do that.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, it’s a tall order to live in this world that is so drenched in every aspect of Satan’s evil and sinful attributes. However, being children of the most high God, we know that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens, guides, protects, loves and empowers us. Please help us to stop feeling helpless, and to place our faith and trust squarely at Your feet, and to depend on You daily to help us walk by faith, imitating Your character before a lost and dying world. How will they know the love of God, if we don’t show them. Yet we are so vulnerable and powerless to do that on our own. We need You in every aspect of our lives dear Jesus. Help us to be children who will humble ourselves, seek Your face, worship You, and prepare for the blessings You will shower upon us. I ask these things in the matchless name of Jesus, AMEN! 

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

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