Living As Children Of Light
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Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus addresses many behavioral issues. As Christians, we are called to be "imitators of God." Without the power of the Holy Spirit, it is an uphill battle.
In Chapter 4 of the book of Ephesians, Paul clearly spells out the ways we are "to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (4:22), and "to be made new in the attitude of the mind; (4:23), and "to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (4:24).
We ALL have NATURAL "vices" in our life that run rampant within us when we don't have the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ, we are called to rid ourselves of these things:
~ Falsehood - 4:25
~ Slander - 4:31 - speaking evil of a person
~ Bitterness 4:31- smoldering resentment
~ Malice 4:31 - revengeful
~ Rage - 4:31 - violent uncontrolled anger
~ Obscenity 5:4 - profanity
~ Anger - 4:31 - settled internal resentment
~ Foolish talk 5:4 rash, brainless talk
~ Brawling - 4:31 - violent public outbursts
~ Coarse joking 5:4 - rude; sarcastic
Instead, we are called to live as children of light, putting on SUPERNATURAL graces that are given to us when we ask God.
~ truthful - speak the truth in love 4:15,25
~ helpful - edifying; building up 4:29
~ necessary - as it fits the need 4:29
~ beneficial - gracious to the hearer 4:29
~ kind - caring 4:32
~ compassionate - concern for others 4:32
~ forgiving - stop feeling angry or resentful 4:32B
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Great reminder as I continue the saga that is.....
HUB WARS !!!
"putting on" and "imitating" is the world that is being de constructed!!!!
We are moving into the light which requires people to own their shadows and transform this into who they truly are by doing the necessary work.
Namaste
Vladimir, ElElyone, and U Laws, thanks for reading and commenting on the Hub.
You are right, U Law, that we must first admit/knowledge our "shadows" - or corrupted self, as the Bible puts it -- BUT only when we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, then can we be truly transformed.
Thank-you for this well put together article.
BJC
BJC - Thanks for stopping by and reading the Hub.
The spirit is who we truly are but I have a feeling that you are saying something else behind this statement.
When we rely on our spirit/soul to be master then we can and will transform. I "kinow" this to be true and I have never relied on the bible to do this but have used many pieces of ancient knowledge and new knowledge that has come my way.
It is important that people know that they do not have to belong to the religious fraternity to become who they truly are successfully and easily. It requires a knowledge of oneself and the process of evolving the spirit to be the guiding light in their lives.
We are all one whether we have a copy of the bible or not!
Namaste
I'm so glad that God relates to us in the same way He outlines for us to relate to others, and that He made the way possible for us to rely on His higher thoughts, His higher Words and His higher ways over and against the limited, deceptive and vain notions of the I-god (self).
Thank you for this wonderful hub Catlyn. It's short, simple and straight to the point.
Continue To Be Blessed!
the fount ~ thanks for stopping by and your comment. Glad I can be used as a reminder of our call as believers.
Blessings to you as well
Great hub Catlyn. I always need to remember the things you've talked about here. Thank you!
Thank you Stix, for reading and commenting. I look forward to reading your Hubs as well.
Catlyn,
This is an absolutely wonderful hub! It is well written and you have presented some very helpful information in an easy flowing format.
I love the Book of Ephesians. It tells us who we are in Jesus Christ and provides us with principles for living as well as the spiritual armor. You have showcased many of its principles.
Yes, I agree "we are called to be children of the LIGHT!" Again you have done a wonderful job!
Blessings
Very well said!! You speak Truth!! And we all need to be reminded of the fruit of the Spirit every once in a while. Thank you for this post!! Be Blessed! ~K
DeBorrah ~ I appreciate you reading the Hub and commenting. Now, more than ever, we are called to encourage one another in the faith. And you are right about the spiritual armor being another gift to us in this epistle.
Blessings to you until He comes!
Kim, I am glad that this Hub blessed you! All to HIS glory!!
Vladimir Uhri says:
5 months ago
Very good hub Catlyn. Thanks.