Hey you guys! For those of you who don't know me, my name's Sarah Dawson and I'm a friend of Dennis. When he first asked me to do this, I was kinda wary...I'm not that great at speaking/writing...well, anything with groups of people bigger than...oh, I'd say around 2. ; ) But considering this is God's work and not mine, I figured I'd better do this.
For the past week or so, God has kept leading me toward the book of Ephesians. In this book, Paul often brings up the subject of how we as Christians should act. Here is one of the many specific passages regarding this:
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
-Ephesians 4:22-24
This verse talks about how, when we are saved, we are a "new creation," as God's Word says. Knowing that God has saved us from that which we once were and changed us into this new person, we should cast off that old life. (That includes everything that goes along with it, not just bits and pieces of our life that we feel comfortable giving to God!) This passage mentions our "deceitful desires,"--that is, any desire not of God, because, as Christians, we should long only for Him. The scripture also says "to be made new in the attitude of your minds." Your attitude can have a great effect on those around you. Seek and "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18b) and you'll have no problem with this one. Finally, "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." God has changed you into a new, completely different person. This person is one He hopes to see strive for and acheive righteousness and holiness to the best of our ability. And with Jesus Christ working in us and through us, we can do that.
In chapter 4, verse 29 says:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
God has especially laid this verse on my heart. As Christians, I think one of our strongest enemies is our own tongue. We are sometimes unaware of the power behind our words. God has called us to be holy, righteous, pure. If we are not fulfilling that with our speech, then how are we fulfilling it? With our actions alone? If that's the case, then what will potential Christians think of Christians who speak one message with their words and another with their actions? Let whatever you say "benefit those who listen."
The last couple verses I'd like to point out are Ephesians 5:1-2:
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God."
"Be imitators of God"...that's pretty much self-explanatory, right?
"...live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us..." I think that one is also. Jesus died for us. The least we can do is live for Him.
"Christ is life, so live life to the fullest."
Well, that's about it. If you want to read more about God's desire for us, you can check out Ephesians 5:3-21. It goes into some more detail. I greatly encourage you to look at it! Thank you so much for listening, and I pray that God blesses you all in more ways than you could imagine! Have an awesome week!
Love in Christ-
Sarah
1 Corinthians 15:58