In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, the decision to be different and live according to God’s principles is a powerful testament to our faith. The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:17-24 call us to abandon our old ways and embrace a transformed life in Christ.

Today’s Scripture:

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV)

The Call to a New Life

Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians emphasizes the necessity of making a decisive break from their old ways. This involves rejecting the futile thinking and immoral behaviors that characterized their former lives and embracing a new identity in Christ.

Understanding the Old Self

1. Futile Thinking: Living apart from God leads to a mindset that lacks purpose and true understanding. Romans 1:21 warns of the darkened heart that comes from rejecting God’s truth.
2. Sensuality and Greed: Indulging in sensual pleasures and greed results from a hardened heart that is insensitive to God’s guidance. Colossians 3:5 urges us to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature, including impurity and greed.
3. Ignorance and Separation from God: Ignorance of God’s ways leads to a life separated from Him, resulting in spiritual death. Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

Embracing the New Self

1. Renewed Mind: Transformation begins with a renewed mind, aligning our thoughts with God’s truth. Romans 12:2 advises us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
2. Putting on the New Self: Our new identity in Christ is characterized by righteousness and holiness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us that anyone in Christ is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come.
3. Living in Righteousness and Holiness: Embrace a lifestyle that reflects God’s character, living out His righteousness and holiness daily. 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls us to be holy in all we do, just as God is holy.

Steps to Live Differently

1. Commit to Change: Make a conscious decision to leave behind old habits and behaviors that are contrary to God’s will. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.
2. Engage in Spiritual Practices: Regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers strengthen our resolve to live differently. Acts 2:42 highlights the importance of devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
3. Seek Accountability: Surround yourself with a community that supports and holds you accountable in your walk with Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 stresses the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another.

Conclusion and Prayer

Ephesians 4:17-24 challenges us to make a firm decision to be different by embracing our new identity in Christ. By renewing our minds and living in righteousness and holiness, we can resist the pressures of the world and reflect God’s transformative power.

Heavenly Father, help us to make up our minds to live differently, rejecting the futile ways of the world. Renew our minds and strengthen us to put on the new self, created to be like You in true righteousness and holiness. Amen.