How We Should Live

How We Should Live
Pt.1

     On my last trip to Africa, I met a lot of baby Christians. They may have been saved years ago, but no one was there to teach them how to live their lives as a born again believer. A large percent of the country is illiterate and cannot read the Word for themselves. They must rely on someone else to tell them what the bible teaches, and some of the teachings they receive are pretty twisted. My experience in Liberia drove home the point that I need to study my bible and seek God’s answers for how I should live my life.

     As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the ways of the world while we are living here on earth. We are called to be a peculiar people, and living a Godly lifestyle in today’s society will certainly make us look weird in the eyes of the world.

     Have you ever wondered just how you should live your life? We all know we should keep the Ten Commandments and love Jesus, but have you ever wondered if there is more to it than just a set of ten rules? A few weeks ago I was reading in Ephesians and found a blueprint of how a Christian should live. Over the next few weeks, I plan to bring you a devotional beginning with Ephesians 4:17-32 and then move on into chapter 5. Today we will start with verses 17-24.

Ephesians 4:17-24 (New Living Translation)

Living as Children of Light

17- With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18- Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19- They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

     Does this sound like Paul was writing about society today? He wrote this to the Christians in Ephesus, while he was imprisoned in Rome, around 60 A.D., but it fits so perfectly with our generation. Today’s society has a hardened heart against God and his people; they would rather live a lie that hear the truth.

     The NIV translation verse 19 reads, “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” We as Christians must keep up our guard not to lose our sensitivity to immoral behaviors, in a world that bombards us with commercials, television shows, music and even billboards. Do you remember the children’s song, Oh, be careful little eyes what you see?” We need to apply the words of that song to our lives today and be careful what we see, hear and say.

     It seems everyone is trying to outdo the other to see how low they can sink. Look at the way the world acts, dresses, talks and boast of sexual conquest and practices. Even some children’s shows encourage disobedience and bad language. Unless you work in a Christian environment, you probably see and hear enough in your workplace to curl your ears.

     The apostle Paul is urging his fellow believers to stop living like the unbelievers in their society. Verses 20-24 tell us how we should live. 20- But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21- Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22- throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23- Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24- Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

     Did you catch the part in verse 24 where it said we were created to be like God, righteous and holy? Do you blend in with the world or do you stand out as one of God’s children?

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Dear Heavenly Father, help us to live as children of light. May we stand out as a ray of hope to a dark and fallen world. Help us to guard against the onslaught of the world’s lifestyle that we may not lose our sensitivity to the wickedness that surrounds us. Give us wisdom for how we should dress, talk and live our lives. Help us to grow to be more like you - truly righteous and holy.


In Jesus precious name I pray,
 Amen.

Paint each day with God's love,
Frankie