Devotion for Sunday, February 21, 2021

“That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22-23)

Listen carefully to this admonition, for it is a brief summation of walking the Christian life in this age.  You lay aside the old self so that you might be renewed in your mind.  This then, is the struggle that we find in ourselves: we want what the flesh wants and do not want to walk in the newness of life which denies the lusts of deceit.  Live in Christ and not in the fleeting desires of the flesh!

Lord, when I hear it this way, it is so simple.  I know the struggle, for I am in that struggle daily.  Guide me, O Lord, to see the deceit as it comes and help me to not give in.  Guide me to humbly walk with You, my Lord and God, and to live in newness of life.  Help me now and always to become what You would have me be and live the new life You have given me through grace.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set us free from the bondage of sin and death.  Daily I struggle not to earn life – for that is a gift You alone can give – but to keep it from being taken back down into the pit.  Let me see these things clearly so that I may walk in the newness of life which is mine through You.  Help me to humbly accept the path that is before me and walk as You would have me walk.  Amen.