Putting on and Putting Off

October 5, 2022
Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
Exodus 20:16, Ephesians 4:22-25

First of all, I want to give thanks to God for the absolutely beautiful weather for the past several days. Where I reside, we have had clear starry nights and clear blue skies and crisp mornings. I also want to ask God to forgive me for the many times I have not appreciated what he has provided so; Thank you God for all you are and all you have done and all you will do.

One of the ways I am not as grateful as I should be, is when I am working with people who tend to make life difficult for me, whether intentionally or unintentionally. To be honest; I either say what is not helpful for building up the relationship, or I don’t say what needs to be said in order to build up the relationship. Today I am studying the 9th commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”, or as I have been teaching our young ones, “Don’t say bad things about other people”.

In Ephesians 4 the Apostle Paul is teaching the believers to be mindful that since they have come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, their lives are to reflect some major changes, one of which is to demonstrate unity where once there was division. I find it helpful today as I have witnessed more and more division between neighbors, congregants, family members, our government, and even denominational leaders and members. Many are wondering “What in the world is going on”? To that I can only say, we are part of a world that desperately needs Jesus. The good news is, God has provided and continues to guide us in the power of the Holy Spirit, if we will listen to him and obey him. So, I guess you could say the simple answer is in the little word “IF”.

Paul writes: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of living, 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. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body”(Ephesians 4:22-25).

Here’s a thought for practical application today; Let’s try to be more mindful of what we are “Putting On”, is it a good attitude, one that glorifies God and builds up the body? Is there something that I keep dwelling on that consistently bursts out into words that doesn’t build up the body of Christ? (see Ephesians 4:29). Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today how each conversation has something I need to put off in order to put on what is better.

AMEN