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We [Christians] are [to be] different…to paraphrase the final rebuke from Paul’s sad, shameful, sometimes scathing description of the lifestyle that is reflective of non-believers.
So exactly how are we do be different? All the verses surrounding this week’s verse, from 17 to the end of the chapter, is a detailed outline of the answer to how we are to be different. We have studied verses 17-19 already in this blog, and verses 25-32 in our Summer Bible Study Blog; so let’s talk about it:
Our thinking should be of moral, emotional, and mental substance
Our mentality and emotions (disposition) should be as Light in the dark world
We should live like we know better, because we know God
Our hearts are to be aware and full of vision
We are not to reject truth and light
We are never to be callous
We should have a life of discipline and self-control
Our life will not result in greed and uncleanness because we are keeping ourselves from sin which is rooted in greed and uncleanness
We don’t indulge in or promote corrupt conversation
We are daily renewing our mind according to the light and truth; and putting on our new nature of righteousness and holiness which is found in Christ through grace
We are not liars
Our anger should not control us
We don’t give Satan an opportunity to manipulate us
We don’t steal; we work hard; we make plans to give
Our conversations should help and encourage others
We should not ignore or stifle the leading of God’s Spirit
We don’t hold on to bitterness or live as “drama queens” with their fussing, fighting, and fury
We are to be kind and tenderhearted
We should always forgive; just like we have been forgiven
I dare say that shockingly, these are just the "basics;" but even so, I wonder what the world would look like if even half of all us Christ Followers were to be consistent in just these areas? I wonder what my home, family, business, ministry, smile, impact would look like if I were consistent in all these basic areas of spiritual growth? It is a daunting challenge, but it is not a discouraging one. Why? Because what we learned BEFORE Paul started on his “list,” is that God has placed within the Body of Christ everything we need in order to accomplish this daunting task. Not that we will individually be perfect, but we all perfectly fit together making the whole work in perfect order; growing together, and ministering to each other in Love. We got what it takes Sisters! Let’s do this!!
Seeking to Grow my Walk with God and Others,
Dawn~
So exactly how are we do be different? All the verses surrounding this week’s verse, from 17 to the end of the chapter, is a detailed outline of the answer to how we are to be different. We have studied verses 17-19 already in this blog, and verses 25-32 in our Summer Bible Study Blog; so let’s talk about it:
Our thinking should be of moral, emotional, and mental substance
Our mentality and emotions (disposition) should be as Light in the dark world
We should live like we know better, because we know God
Our hearts are to be aware and full of vision
We are not to reject truth and light
We are never to be callous
We should have a life of discipline and self-control
Our life will not result in greed and uncleanness because we are keeping ourselves from sin which is rooted in greed and uncleanness
We don’t indulge in or promote corrupt conversation
We are daily renewing our mind according to the light and truth; and putting on our new nature of righteousness and holiness which is found in Christ through grace
We are not liars
Our anger should not control us
We don’t give Satan an opportunity to manipulate us
We don’t steal; we work hard; we make plans to give
Our conversations should help and encourage others
We should not ignore or stifle the leading of God’s Spirit
We don’t hold on to bitterness or live as “drama queens” with their fussing, fighting, and fury
We are to be kind and tenderhearted
We should always forgive; just like we have been forgiven
I dare say that shockingly, these are just the "basics;" but even so, I wonder what the world would look like if even half of all us Christ Followers were to be consistent in just these areas? I wonder what my home, family, business, ministry, smile, impact would look like if I were consistent in all these basic areas of spiritual growth? It is a daunting challenge, but it is not a discouraging one. Why? Because what we learned BEFORE Paul started on his “list,” is that God has placed within the Body of Christ everything we need in order to accomplish this daunting task. Not that we will individually be perfect, but we all perfectly fit together making the whole work in perfect order; growing together, and ministering to each other in Love. We got what it takes Sisters! Let’s do this!!
Seeking to Grow my Walk with God and Others,
Dawn~
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