Character
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 they have given themselves over to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more. Ephesians 4:17-19
There are four words that are present in almost every conversation I have with my friend Patty. It doesn’t matter who we are talking about, ourselves, our children, politicians; it comes down to the same four words. It’s all about choices.
Maybe you can’t judge a person by the outer core but if that appearance raises doubts watch and see if their actions follow. One mistake is understandable but a string of lousy choices points to serious character flaws. This condition is not unique to this time in history. Paul’s writings are in the neighborhood of 2000 years old and he is saying the same thing, just using more words.
We aren’t talking about choices like vanilla or chocolate. The choices Paul refers to as he clearly states may be life changing, taking one away from God. It is easier to resist impurity if you haven’t danced right at its borders. Once tasted one taste is not enough. It creates as Paul says a “continual lust for more.” One lie leads to the next; one undiscovered affair makes it easy to believe it is okay to do it again, etc.
As good choices build character poor ones tear it down. Paul says the Gentiles have “lost all sensitivity” and we do too. In recovery programs clients are told to change not just their behavior, but any activity or relationship that would trigger the problem.
Earlier in the Scripture we are told that Christians will be known by their fruit. (Matthew 7:15-23) Where did that fruit begin? It all began with one choice, one footstep in the right direction. When advising a child, a friend or keeping your own counsel remember those four important words, “it’s all about choices.”
There are four words that are present in almost every conversation I have with my friend Patty. It doesn’t matter who we are talking about, ourselves, our children, politicians; it comes down to the same four words. It’s all about choices.
Maybe you can’t judge a person by the outer core but if that appearance raises doubts watch and see if their actions follow. One mistake is understandable but a string of lousy choices points to serious character flaws. This condition is not unique to this time in history. Paul’s writings are in the neighborhood of 2000 years old and he is saying the same thing, just using more words.
We aren’t talking about choices like vanilla or chocolate. The choices Paul refers to as he clearly states may be life changing, taking one away from God. It is easier to resist impurity if you haven’t danced right at its borders. Once tasted one taste is not enough. It creates as Paul says a “continual lust for more.” One lie leads to the next; one undiscovered affair makes it easy to believe it is okay to do it again, etc.
As good choices build character poor ones tear it down. Paul says the Gentiles have “lost all sensitivity” and we do too. In recovery programs clients are told to change not just their behavior, but any activity or relationship that would trigger the problem.
Earlier in the Scripture we are told that Christians will be known by their fruit. (Matthew 7:15-23) Where did that fruit begin? It all began with one choice, one footstep in the right direction. When advising a child, a friend or keeping your own counsel remember those four important words, “it’s all about choices.”
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