CHANGE AND EXCHANGE

CHANGE AND EXCHANGE

Of the many things which most find hard to change are habits and behavior developed for a lifetime. Good or bad they  often reveal our thoughts, feelings, and attitude. They are windows to the character and personality

The Saint of God, Paul of Tarsus, aptly observed that there are persons who “walk in the futility of their minds”.  This begins with the “ hardening of the heart” leading to  “ignorance”  resulting in “alienation from the life of God”. The good Saint, described this condition as the “old man” or the old self or the old conduct, which is corrupted by deceitful desires. (Ephesians 4:17-19). 

This is the unregenerate  life.  St. Paul exhorted the Christians that they should not remain in this condition. Change should occur to one who has received the illumination of the mind of Christ.  

Most of us resist change, more so when we speak of life changes.  The Apostle, however, did not speak only of change for change’s sake. He spoke of putting off the “old self,”  which is corrupted, like taking off  a piece of old, dirty, clothing, and throwing it away, and  putting  on the “new self” which is created according to God in righteousness and holiness, like a piece of fresh, new, and clean clothing.  

This is not simply a call to change one’s life but to exchange, the wrong way,  with the right way.  A call to positive change.

This is what the Apostle Paul, said,

“22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. “ (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Then the Apostle proceeded to explain in practical terms what happens when this exchange takes place.

“25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:25-32)

The old man who is most naturally inclined to lie, to boil in anger, to steal, to speak slander, malice or destructive words, to be unforgiving or cruel, as a new man, will now be inclined to speak truthfully, to channel anger constructively, not allowing it to linger, as to commit sin;   work honestly and apply himself to useful endeavor; speak words that build up and encourage; to be compassionate and forgiving.

What an exchange!