Ephesians 4:21-32 NLT
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 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. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 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. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 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.”
In every sinful heart, there is temptation to let our thoughts sway toward frustration with our circumstances, bitterness toward authority, jealousy of others, anger with someone who has wronged you, and the list goes on....
Our inward thoughts begin to change our outward attitude, and before you know it, others can see and hear the negativity. Within a group of friends, coworkers, or family, the negativity then begins to spread like wildfire. The devil gets his foothold. It can happen in a blink.
So, how do we defend against this disease?
Paul says, "Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God- truly righteous and holy."
This is not something you can do alone. You, alone, do not have the power to be holy and righteous. You are human; you are sinful. It is only through the blood of Jesus that we can be redeemed and made clean. And He sent the Holy Spirit to renew us when we go astray. What you can do, however, is recognize that sin when it creeps in, and pray for the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew your heart. When this happens to me, I always go back to one of my favorite worship songs that comes straight from Psalm 51.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10 ESV
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