My Daily Pause

Is it just me, or is the world getting bolder in their demands that Christians change their ways? It’s supposed to be the other way around. I guess it goes back to what Solomon said – “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Paul was dealing with the same stuff in the first century.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:17-22 to get rid of the old you and quit living like those people. “Now” is always a good time renew yourself in God and try to be like him instead of the world. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

While it might seem strange to word it this way, Paul made a list on how to live a new life. Here is a few things on that list:

• Tell the Truth
• Be angry, but don’t let it make you sin
• Get over your anger quickly so the Devil doesn’t use you
• Work hard, don’t steal
• Use what you earn to help the needy
• Watch your mouth and say only good things
• Be kind
• Be forgiving – God gave his Son to forgive you.

But don’t take my word for it, remember to read them for yourself in Ephesians 4:25-32!

Being a part of Christ’s body, that is, being in Christ, takes dedicated effort on our part to maintain that status.

Paul wanted Christians to make an effort to mature. He set up a system of God’s word (Which was delivered originally by the apostles and prophets), elders and teachers to help us grow to the stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) As we make progress in that growth, we are less likely to be pulled away to the world’s values, fall prey to false teachers or even fail by our own human nature. (Ephesians 4:14)

Our goal is to do everything we can to function well within the body. Whatever our role, we do it well. Whatever our maturity, we try to grow. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Without that focus, the world will treat us like the sea does a derelict ship, tossing us to and fro without direction.

In every letter that Paul wrote, he mentioned the resurrection of Christ. In Ephesians 1:19-20 he shows us the power of God through Christ’s death and ascension.

Has today’s church gotten away from the awe of the resurrection that Paul felt? Paul wanted you to feel that awe. He wrote of God’s:

• ability to accomplish his promises
• active power to work
• power to rule over his dominion
• inherent strength

When we remain silent about the resurrection of Christ – when we forget to include it as the focus of our worship, we are giving our attention to something other than our God.

Let’s be more like the early church, and make everything about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

Galatians 6:1-5 is a bit of Scripture that looks simple at one glance and then difficult at the next glance. Some have even said it contradicts itself.

These are the notes I have in the margin of my Bible that help me remember how to understand what is being said there:

1. Size up the situation
2. Pick up the fallen
3. Hold them up
4. Size up yourself

It is good to have a Spiritual family that can help us bear our burdens. It offers some amount of safety, accountability and direction. Ultimately though, we will have to account for ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Being In Christ is a Way of Life

Paul described often the condition of being “in Christ.” One who is in Christ is someone that has obeyed the Gospel and is faithful to God.

We know that Paul really liked to make lists when he wrote his letters, and he didn’t disappoint us in Galatians 5. One of the best loved passages in the New Testament is the “Fruit of the Spirit”. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Here is a glance at the qualities that make up the fruit of the Spirit with a link to previous articles about them.

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Longsuffering
5. Gentleness
6. Goodness
7. Faith
8. Meekness
9. Temperance

Bonus Scripture – Peter’s list of qualities that make us fruitful (2 Peter 1:3-11) These are known as the Christian graces.