Have you ever noticed how easy it is to slowly, almost accidentally, adopt the habits of the culture around us?
We swim in a world that tells us to look out for number one, hold grudges until we get even, fudge the truth when it protects our reputation, and accumulate as much stuff as humanly possible. Yet the Good News is that God never intended for us to settle for the world’s patterns. God’s grace doesn't just forgive our past; it actively goes to work inside our everyday lives, renovating our hearts so we can actually look, love, and live like Jesus. And He sets the standards we should strive to live up to.
Paul puts this invitation right in front of us us: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2 NLT). This isn't cold legalism or trying to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. It is an invitation to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Paul says we are invited to “put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:24 NLT). This new nature shows up in very ordinary, practical ways. In fact, Paul outlines five clear standards for our living.
First, we trade dishonesty for genuine transparency. Paul writes, “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT). The world most often treats truth as flexible, something we bend to avoid awkwardness or gain an advantage. But Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NLT). When we welcome Christ, we step away from deception and step into the sunlight. Living honestly brings immense freedom—we never have to keep track of what we said to whom, and our relationships become safe places grounded in trust.
Second, we learn how to handle our tempers before they turn toxic. Paul reminds us, “And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT). Anger itself is simply an emotion, and we need to be reminded that there are times when righteous concern over injustice is entirely appropriate. The trouble starts when we nurse that anger, letting it simmer into bitterness, wounded pride, wrath or revenge. If we hesitate and don’t bring our frustration to God quickly, we give the enemy an open door into our homes and hearts. In the Old Testament, Proverbs observes this exact danger: “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back” (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).
Third, God turns us from being consumers and takers into producers and givers. Paul says, “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28 NLT). Most of us wouldn't think of ourselves as thieves, yet we often steal people's time, fair compensation, trust, or joy. Paul radically flips our motivation for working. Our culture says to work to stack up toys; God’s kingdom says to work hard so you have something to give away. The prophet Micah echoed that our calling is far simpler and richer than accumulation: “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NLT).
Fourth, we guard our mouths. Paul urges, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT). The word for “abusive” or “foul” literally describes rotting fruit. Corrupting words spoil the whole room, whereas grace-filled words offer life and spiritual health to whoever listens.
Finally, we let the Holy Spirit replace hostility with tenderhearted kindness. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT). Unchecked resentment not only hurts others in our fellowship, it grieves the Holy Spirit who makes His home within us.
Striving to reach these high standards isn't something we can, or should try to, manage in our own strength. Rather, it will be the natural consequence of walking daily in the Spirit, saying "yes" to His sanctifying grace moment by moment, and letting His love transform our minds from the inside out.
How are you measuring up?
Blessings on you and yours,
Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://blog.salvationarmyconcordca.org
Quoted Scriptures Micah 6:8 (NLT) — “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Proverbs 29:11 (NLT) — “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” John 14:6 (NLT) — “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” Romans 12:2 (NLT) — “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Ephesians 4:24 (NLT) — “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:25 (NLT) — “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) — “‘Don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:28 (NLT) — “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) — “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) — “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”