Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In the heart of Christian theology, the transformation that takes place when one accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior underlines a fundamental shift not only in belief but in one’s entire being. This transformation is beautifully pictured in Ephesians 4:17–32, where the apostle Paul describes the profound metamorphosis that accompanies a life surrendered to Christ. The old self is crucified, paving the way for an entirely new existence. But what does this truly mean? How do we effectively shed our old ways and embrace a new identity?

The Old Me is Gone

The moment we accept Christ, we start a journey that marks the crucifixion of our old nature. There is a unique sense of liberation that comes when we understand that our past—its mistakes, its burdens, its identity—no longer binds us. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22, we are called to “put off the old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.”
This passage presents a vivid picture for us to grasp; it’s akin to putting on a new outfit. Before trying on a new garment, one must first remove the old attire. But therein lies the challenge—for many of us, our past seems to cling onto us tightly, making the act of shedding the old self a matter of spiritual warfare.

The Process of Surrender

Surrendering to Christ is not a one-time event; it is a daily process of living out our faith. Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4:23–24 that we must be “renewed in the spirit of our minds” and “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Every day presents a choice: to cling to our old nature or to embrace the new life we have in Christ. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this journey, providing strength and guidance as we navigate the complexities of life. The surrender to a new way of living can sometimes feel daunting. It’s essential to recognize that with every challenge presented, the Spirit equips us with what we need to make choices that align with our new identity.

Instructions for New Living

Paul’s guidance in Ephesians provides us with tangible steps to cultivate our new life in Christ. He lays down some straightforward yet profound rules for living out this new life. Let’s unpack these directives in greater detail.

Putting Away Deceit: Speaking Truth

One of the first implications of our new identity in Christ is to cease falsehoods and to embrace truth. As Paul instructs, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). This directive requires us to cultivate honesty in all areas of our lives, fostering trust and authenticity.
In a world where deceit can lead to immediate gratification or temporary relief, we must remember that honesty requires courage. Each truthful word builds a foundation of trust, while every untruth only serves to fracture relationships.

Handling Anger: A Delicate Balance

Anger is a natural human emotion, but how we manage this powerful feeling is essential. Paul acknowledges this in the verse, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).
This is a call to recognize our anger without allowing it to morph into bitterness or vengeance. Anger, when processed healthily, can catalyze positive change and lead to confrontation in love, but when it festers, it opens the door for the devil (Ephesians 4:27). Are we quick to forgive before the day ends? This requires conscious effort to prioritize peace and reconciliation above pride.

Guard Your Spirit: Media and Influence

In the age of a digital bombardment, we must take into account what we consume daily. Paul implores us to examine the content we allow into our lives—whether it’s media, friendships, or conversations. Are we feeding our spirit with godly principles, or are we letting the world’s views and temptations influence our thought patterns? Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths, but only what is good for building others up.
What we watch, listen to, read, and even the company we keep plays a pivotal role in our spiritual nourishment. Ask yourself: Is this content reinforcing my identity in Christ, or pulling me away from it?

The Value of Work and Generosity

“There is a significant step from taking to giving,” Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4:28. Instead of stealing or taking shortcuts, we are called to earn an honest living and give generously. This shift from taking to giving speaks volumes about our changed hearts. As followers of Christ, we become contributors to the larger community rather than consumers. Our actions in the workplace and our interactions in society reflect our new identity.

The Power of Words

Our language carries weight; with it, we can either build others up or tear them down. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,” Paul instructs us (Ephesians 4:29). Instead, we are to use our words for encouragement, to help others grow in their own lives.
By focusing on edifying speech, we are reframing our influence in the lives of those around us. The words we choose reveal our true selves. Therefore, does your speech echo kindness, understanding, and love?

Learning to Forgive

In a world where resentment can easily take root, the act of forgiving others proves to be one of the clearest indicators of our spiritual transformation. Paul reminds us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
This directive is not merely about reconciliation; it is a reflection of our own experiences with God’s grace. Our forgiveness should mirror the grace we have received, ultimately leading us to pursue relationships marked by love rather than judgement.

The Heart Change: More than a Prayed Prayer

Accepting Jesus is more than reciting a prayer; it symbolizes an entire heart change. It embodies the spirit of becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The implications of this transformation should be evident in how we live, interact, and represent our faith.
We are invited to examine ourselves deeply—Are we genuinely living out of our new identity? Consider the reflective question posed by my pastor recently: “Would your witness be enough to convict you as a follower of Christ?”
This self-reflection questions the authenticity of our daily lives in Christ. Are we embodying the principles Paul outlines in Ephesians? Are we identifying ourselves as new creations to others?

Conclusion: Making the Choice Daily

At the center of our faith lies a choice: to embrace the new life we have in Christ each day or to revert to our old patterns. As we meditate on Ephesians 4:17–32, we recognize the need for a commitment to this process.
Every day offers a fresh opportunity to surrender to the Holy Spirit, to choose love over anger, to speak truth, and to forgive. It requires intention and effort, but the result promises to be a life characterized by righteousness and holiness.
Let us be intentional about living out our new identity in Christ—ready to answer the call to put on our new selves, fully aware of the transformative power of grace that has reignited our spirits. We are more than conquerors; we are a testament to the life-changing power of Christ. Ultimately, with every step taken in faith, we can offer a compelling witness of our journey, one that draws others to experience this beautiful transformation as well.