"My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything - and I do mean everything - connected with that old way of life has to go. Its rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life - a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." Eph 4:21-24 Message
This is the first time I have read this version but have read other versions before it always says to put off your old ways and put on your new ways. It takes effort to be different and live for Christ. There is no miracle that happens as soon as you believe in Christ you think like him, act like him and have no problem with sin. If you are thinking that way you will be setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. It takes work. You have to make a conscience decision to put off the old and put on the new.
What really hit me today was how this version said "we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything - and I do mean everything - connected with that old way of life has to go." "Get rid of it!" Now that we know the truth we have to live like it. We shouldn't hold on to little things no matter how little they are if they are ways of our old self. We are a new creation! The only way that we can put on the new self and live a life after God's own heart is if we make the decision to put off the old self and seek the Holy Spirit that dwells within us to live a "God-fashioned life".
Sisters I pray that we will all make the decision to put on the new and live a "God-fashioned life" for it will be far greater than anything we could ever imagine!
Have a happy, fun and safe 4th of July!
~Missy D
This week's reading:
Mon-4:21-24
Tues-4:25-27
Wed-4:28-29
Thurs-4:30-32
Fri-5:1-2
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