A New Man? Posted 9/27/2014

Is it just me or does anyone else seem to notice how unpopular, and even downright offensive, it can be to point out evil, wickedness, sin, etc. that is prevalent in the lives of individuals?  Certainly the Scriptures teach us to judge ourselves, and this we must do.  However, a week doesn't seem to pass anymore before I hear someone speaking in reference to immorality that we “Christians are not to judge.  After all, we do not know what's in a person's heart, and we certainly do not know if they are right with God or not.”  

This should be concerning to us to know that an“anything goes”” gospel is being propelled for our loved ones to hear.  When I think of the saints that reared and trained me in His nurture and admonition, it frightens me at times to see the lax attitude toward the holiness of God and obedience to His Word.    There was a day in my past 50 plus years that a reverential fear of the Lord was present among His people.  Did He change?  Did we change?  Who decided that He could become a Buddy that we can carry in our pocket to do our bidding?

This week I'm reminded of Paul teaching the Ephesians about just what it means to be a “new man”. When I read through this list of Christian character traits, it just doesn't jibe with the popular approach to the life in Christ being presented before us today in many circles.

For sake of brevity, I'll only list a few.  But, please turn to Eph. 4–6 and read the instruction for a clearer view.  We're to put off the former and put on the new, put away lying and speak truth, put off the stealing and work to have to give to others, put away corrupt speaking and use words to bless and edify. Trade off bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice for kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness for others.   Check it out.  It's all there; the works of darkness are to be put away, and the works of light are characterized by Christ within. 

As His children, we have a responsibility to declare the Truth.  The words of our mouths and the actions of our lives preach something.  If we are made into“new men” through the gift of grace through Christ, where do we get the idea that we, or any of His, can walk in deeds of darkness any longer?  We simply cannot.  This is not who we are.

My personal challenge this week is to be bolder to speak the Truth in love.  It's dangerous to speak anything else.

Eph. 5:6-8 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

May the Lord Bless you abundantly this week,

Julie