City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

^17-19 And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. –Ephesians 4:17-19 (MSG)

¹⁷ Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ¹⁹ They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. –Ephesians 4:17-19 (ESV)

“Virtue – even attempted virtue – brings light; indulgence brings fog.” –C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity 

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses admonish us to put away an old mindset that has been deeply embedded in every human since the fall of Adam. At the start of Ephesians 4, Paul urges his fellow believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling–essentially to renew our minds to the new life we have in Christ. 

However, a new life cannot be had until the old life is put away. Imagine being completely covered in mud and grime from head to toe, taking a shower and being totally cleansed, and then putting on the same muddy, dirty clothes! That would totally defeat the purpose. Having been completely cleansed from sin, we are to put on our new nature: the very righteousness of God. 

Verse 18 of Ephesians 4 gives us a clue as to why people live perpetually in sin and self-indulgence: They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:18 ESV). 

From looking at that, one might conclude the converse is true–letting the glorious light of the Gospel shine into our minds opens us up to God and keeps us in a softened state towards Him. As a faithful CLC’er, I would be remiss not to quote C.S. Lewis here: “Virtue – even attempted virtue – brings light; indulgence brings fog (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity). 

I think where we often miss it is in thinking that we have to be experts in holiness or that it should be easy. That’s not true in the least bit. Life in God is a process. We are constantly learning. Sometimes we’ll stumble, but it’s important to continue in the direction God is calling us regardless of the obstacles we face. Small steps taken consistently can ripple into a major impact. Let’s not underestimate what God can do in the life of one who is willing to obey Him no matter what. 

Application

Today’s verses show us how important our thought life is in knowing God and experiencing the victorious life He’s won for us. Today, I encourage you to clear your mind and let God’s light shine through. 

The best way to identify and lay aside thoughts that are contrary to God’s Word is to actually read God’s Word on a regular basis. Try to find ways to incorporate God’s Word into your life on a regular basis. Here are some ideas:

• Download the Bible app and start a reading plan. 
• Write down the scriptures referenced in Sunday’s sermon and study them at a later time.
• Write your favorite scriptures on flashcards, keep them in your car’s visor, and go through them when you’re at a red light in traffic. 

Getting God’s Word deep inside you happens by doing practical things like the above. Crack open that Bible and let the light shine! Soon enough, you’ll find yourself arrayed in the radiant splendor of God’s ways.  

Prayer

Father God, thank You for cleansing me from all unrighteousness. I want to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. You have freed me from the slavery of sin, so that I can live, really live. Thank You for the new life I have in Christ. By Your Grace, I’m going to live it! King Jesus, shine through me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.