Brief thoughts on Eph. 4:17-24

I've often wondered what that main difference between a 'believer' and 'non-believer' is. We look at Galatians where the author describes the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control. Some folks have all of these qualities, yet have distanced themselves from God for their entire lives. They live peaceful lives in which they try to bring goodness and kindness to all those who need it.

I guess the answer could simply be the difference in Jesus Christ. 'Believers' are obviously motivated to act upon the fruits of the spirit not by selfish ambition or desire to please people, though that is all well and good, but rather they act out these fruits as an act of obedience.

"... So I tell you this... that you must no longer live as (Gentiles) do, in the futility of their thinking... You did not come to know Christ this way." We must be set apart as children of God. We must take those steps that distinguish us from someone who simply enjoys to do nice things and a legitimate disciple of Jesus Christ. We must no longer be "separated from the life of God," but rather we ought to cling to the very line that gives not only everlasting hope and comfort, but love and desire to be loved as well. Just as anger and greed are roots of most evil, love is the root of all that gives hope and comfort.

For followers of Jesus Christ, I think the question should not be, "what are we against," but more importantly, "what are we for?" When one walks into a job interview, the owner does not explain the things that are wrong with the company, but the perks of working at this certain corporation. In the same manner, we disciples should not walk proud and pious through life, acknowledging all the negatives and consequences of what happens when one does not believe that Jesus is Lord. I say we walks humbly through this life, acknowledging all the good that comes from being united with Christ.

As we abide with Christ, we are in constant communion with Him. Our hearts no longer become, "hardened (vs. 18)" from the ignorance we have towards God the father. We become loving as the Father is loving.

We are taught to shed the old self, and put on the new. We exchange our rags for beautiful new robes. "...And to be made new in the attitude of (our minds); and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Notice how it does not say that we were created to be pious and retain a wealth of theological knowledge. We are to be transformed by our mind's renewing.

Rob Bell makes a fine point in saying that the point of the Cross is not limited to forgiveness. It is a reformation of the heart. When the last breath was taken by Christ on the cross, our sin was not only washed away. By that last breath and then the resurrection, God gives us the opportunity of total reformation and transformation of our heart by constant communion with Jesus of Nazareth.

Does the cross hold you back? Have you been limited to simply just forgiveness? Or are you going to take the proper steps and begin the reformation and absolute alteration of your own self to the likeness of Jesus Christ? Yes, on the cross, Christ invites us to be unified with Him; being one with Him; our being centered and focused and fused with Christ. Suddenly, discipleship does not look so grim as the first time we had been called. In realizing that the One who calls is also the One who conquered death on the Cross, we take the hand of Christ and recognize our absolute trust in Him, knowing that we will not be led astray.