September 19 | Ephesians 4:20-24
DAILY READING
Ephesians 4:20-24
REFLECTION
Our Part
By Todd Marti
This week's readings have described how we are changed when we are in Christ and He is in us. They revealed that most of that change comes from God; He transforms us through His Holy Spirit. But they also explained that we have a part to play.
So what is our part? The readings describe several things.
One is to be willing to accept the changes, to welcome them. Jesus explained that we gain our lives by losing, letting go of, our old ways. Luke 9:24. Saint Paul explained that we should no longer be conformed to the world, that we should “put off” our old ways, and be “transformed” by the changes God would work in us. Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22. Those changes will not make us “weird,” but will bring out the very best in us, the good God created us to deliver. We will be different, but better and more fruitful. We can trust that God will change us for the better.
Another is to be mentally focused on God. The changes come as a result of, among other things, our “meditate[ing]” on the ways God manifests His goodness. Philippians 4:8 . The Greek word translated as “meditate” describes making God’s goodness the subject of thoughtful consideration and reflection, to think on what it looks like in practice. That direction is consistent with other scriptures; Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Psalm 1:1-3; and Proverbs 7:1-5 also describe how mentally focusing on God and His ways transforms us.
A third is to take concrete action on what God directs, and to do so repeatedly. We are to “take up,” “practice,” and “put on” the specific changes God desires from us. Luke 9:24; Philippians 4:9; Ephesians 4:24. Moreover, we are to do so on a “daily” basis. Luke 9:23. Such repeated actions build habits and habits grow into the virtue God offers us. We and others will be glad if we act on that offer. See also 5 Practical Steps to Grow in Virtue (How to Bear “Fruit”) .
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, please change us into what you want us to be. Help us to let go of what hinders that. Direct our minds to what fosters it. Help us to do, and keep doing, what you direct us to. We ask this in Jesus’ name
Additional resources
Scriptures addressing similar matters are collected at Wisdom Principles--We Must Make Real Effort/Sacrifice to receive all that God offers, But It Is Well Worth It and We Receive Great Blessings If We Seriously Study God’s Ways and Put Them Into Practice
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TODD MARTI
I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.
Thank you for the summary Todd--