The inner war

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
(Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV)

We once lived for selfish desires but the law given to us by God pointed out to us our own short comings and God’s Holy Spirit then led us to Jesus Christ who died for our sakes so that we might be saved and once again fellowship with God the Father. Being made new creatures in Christ Jesus our spirits which was once dead came to life as Christ arose from the grave. This caused a division between our newly born spirit and our flesh which once ruled supreme over our action, thoughts, and words and the battle ground is our souls.

For here in verses seventeen and eighteen we find Paul describes what this battle of the soul looks like. Without knowing it our flesh followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air (read Eph. 2:2). But now that our spirits have been awakened and God has shown His light on the dark corners of our hearts the war has begun and you have been called to be courageous as you are faithful to follow Christ. I am thankful that God, through Paul, also tells us how to combat the flesh.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
(Ephesians 4:15 NIV)

Now that we know the truth we must always speak the truth and in doing that we will become the body of Christ, for which He is the head. We will stumble and we will fall but Christ has appointed His grace unto us (read Eph. 4:7). Paul again repeats the importance of telling the truth.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
(Ephesians 4:25 NIV)

Secondly, we are directed to not sin when we become angry but if you do make it right before you lay down at night lest you open the door to the devil (read Eph. 4:26-27). I reminded looking back on my own life the times when I was the most angry not being honest was at the core of the matter. I don’t have trouble telling the truth and disciplined myself so the telling the truth is my first reaction. I have learned as a child telling the truth is the better way but just because I don’t lie doesn’t mean I am always honest. When someone does something selfish and it affects me I should make them aware of what they have done and how it has impacted me and others around them but I usually don’t, not wanting confrontation but that’s not being honest! The issue is not resolved and becomes like an infected wound, as it will not heal and usually grows more painful the more you try to ignore it. For me the lesson to be learned, is telling the truth in love and therefore avoid the confrontation and at the same time win my brother or sister. Once again this is a war and as enlisted soldiers of Christ we have been given spiritual sight so we may see these things. We are no longer blind for the truth has set us free!

Paul directs us in a few other things as well. Do not steal and the second part of that is work! Everyone can contribute, everyone has something to give. Volunteer to help feed the poor, serve the church or your community. You and I have been given so much how is it that we don’t feel the need to give back? Next, watch your mouth. The words that come out of it are they the same wherever you go or do they change based on your current location? Do you talk differently at work than you do at church? Do you tell dirty jokes with one group and not another? You do realize the words that come out of your mouth indicate what is in your heart, right?

All these things grieve the Holy Spirit of God, the very One that brought you to salvation and the One that keeps you until such time you are called home! I don’t want any regrets on that terrible day for the Lord of Hosts is holy and righteous. But all of Christ is more than enough for all of me and in Him alone do I trust. Loving God I desire that my body be obedient. Paul ends this chapter by telling us this…

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV)

Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
(Psalms 25:12-14 NIV)