There is a war going on quite literally in the Christian’s life. The struggle between the spirit and the flesh, light and darkness, good and evil. Every Christian experiences this struggle to some extent. Some grow weary along the way as the ‘pull of the dark side’ seems constant. Recalling the time when they first heard of Jesus and His sacrifice for sins of the world, surrendering to Him, and being born of “water and the Spirit” (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:37-39). Remembering the joy of realizing his sins are forgiven, and the debt is paid. Filled with hope and joy at this new beginning… HEAVEN BOUND, right?

Once there was a scientist who performed a ‘creepy’ experiment of joining a spider and a butterfly. The spider of course seeks for the dark corners to do it’s thing, while the butterfly longs to fly free. The tug of war is obviously a threat Which will ‘win’? Will the butterfly finally give up (die) and get dragged to the darkness, or will the spider give up (die) and trail along as the butterfly flies away into the sky. Which will overpower the other?

God help us, this is (my) struggle, and just maybe it’s yours.

Paul expresses something about this in Romans 7:21-25. I want to do the right thing, but I don’t. I want to soar into the blue sky but I cannot. There is a war going on. God help us, please. Of course, all the work, sacrifice, has been done. So why do I feel so lost? “O wretched man that I am! WHO will deliver me from this body if death?” Listen friend, it’s all about JESUS.

Now to my title text! Ephesians 4:17-24

“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, (18) having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; (19) who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness to work all uncleanness with greediness.

B.T.D.T., simply put… “been there done that!”
Paul says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, ” Romans 3:23. The hurt, shame, guilt? What is one who “knows better” to do? Giving up while being a temptation, is not an option. Prayer for forgiveness and depending on His love and grace provides a new start. “Confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you can be healed. The effectual (effective) fervent (sincere, showing emotions) prayer of a righteous man (through the blood of Christ), avails (accomplishes) much.” James 5:16.

How could we live as Christians without HOPE (desire plus expectation)? Who can we turn to, if not to a “righteous man” to intercede for us? “Some things are better left unsaid,” but this is far better than “bottling things up.” FIND A RIGHTEOUS BROTHER (one who won’t blab on Facebook (anonymously) AND CONFESS AND HAVE HIM PRAY FOR YOU. “Burdens are lifted at Calvary.” Let a brother lead you there.

Avoid at all costs having a ‘darkened” mind. Don’t ‘cut yourself off’ but seek reconciliation.
B.T.D.T.
Grow in grace!