Today’s scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
When I first accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and then was Baptized, I somehow thought that I would miraculously change in an instant and become like Christ. Perhaps this is how it happens for some people, but this is not what happened to me. I admit that looking back, I may have been expecting something too much and too soon. I also may have been taking the easy way out as well. Let me explain.
In this scripture passage, we are told to put away our “old selves” and “former ways of life” and be renewed in our minds and to clothe ourselves with the new “me”. No one ever told me that it was going to be a lot of work. The more mature I became, the more I realized that it is the working and relationship with God that is part of the new clothes I wear.
Becoming a new person in Christ and overcoming our old habits and old ways takes a lot of work; work that I was not very conscientious of when I first accepted Jesus. To seek what is more righteous, and do what Jesus would do is not always the first thing we want to do in various situations in our lives. When we clothe ourselves with God’s righteousness, we seek to do what Jesus would do and what he taught us to do in the Bible. In the end, we want to be kind to one other, compassionate, and forgiving, as God forgives us.
So, as you read today’s scripture, open yourselves up for what God wants for you, and for how God wants you to live. Then it becomes clearer as to why becoming a disciple of Jesus, and becoming that transformed person in Christ, is a journey. One where we work with God continuously, even through our struggles, so we can become the Disciple that God destines us to be.
Thought for the day: Where are you on your spiritual journey?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.