Day 269
Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6
Putting On a New Self Again… For the First Time
One of the risks we face as Christians is found in the overuse of popular Scriptures we come to appreciate for their broad appeal and advice on Christian life. Ephesians 4:17-32 is such a passage, especially to new believers who will likely read and wholly embrace the “putting on a new self” concept, as I did many years ago.
So how do we continue to draw sacred meaning from these verses in a way that is both meaningful and enduring? The answer lies in looking at the way we live out our interpretation and understanding of these words in our everyday lives.
Today, let us look at our own lives, as we ask ourselves… How has my life changed since my initial acceptance of this exhortation by Paul?
Using our first impression of Ephesians 4 as a snapshot, let us boldly ask these questions of ourselves today:
- How do I fare with the issue of speaking the truth?
… doing honest work?
… guarding my speech?
… loving my brothers and sisters? - How often do I consider that Jesus forgives me despite myself, and that I am being asked to forgive others?
- How much is love at the heart of the choices and decisions that I make every day?
Some hard questions for sure, but none that should exclude the hope that it is not too late for us to grow and live into the role that we are called to, as part of the body of Christ.
The Rev. Din Bissoondial