How Have You Learned Christ?
Today, sadly enough, there are as many brands of Christianity as there are ice-cream flavors. While trying to make Christianity a one size fits all religion hampers the spread of Christ to other cultures, there should be some things that are consistent, no matter where you live and what your background is. This matter is discussed in Ephesians 4:
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way! 21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. Ephesians 4:20-24 (AMP)
In the above passage Paul reveals certain things that should be evident in every believer’s life. The first and foremost thing involves discarding the old way of life and putting on an entirely new nature; a nature that has the ability to be renewed constantly in the spirit of your mind. Why is this important? Because every one of us born to man has a carnal nature. This nature motivated our actions throughout our life before we came to Christ. It is lurking in the shadows of our soulish realm, always trying to regain preeminence in our lives. Desires will come to taunt us and attempt to entice us to fall victim to them. We are not powerless however. God has given us a new nature that is created in God’s image and has the ability to defeat those deceitful desires and allow the spirit that now lives in us, one of righteousness and holiness to take center stage. Although there may be a struggle from time to time, we should willingly engage in the struggle because of our great love and gratitude to our Savior for what He did in our lives.
There are times when the most disciplined of us will fail. God, knowing that made provision for this in His Word:
9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].1 John 1:9 (AMP)
Though the struggle continues, the overwhelming mercy and grace of God continues also.
Maria