New Beginnings, Volume 10, 2007

Pastor Jim Verkest, Mosinee UMC

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven you.

       This passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a great standard by which we can measure our life in Christ.  There are two very distinct ways that we can approach life.  Let us refer to them as foundations upon which we build our lives.  One foundation is the foundation that is built upon the values of the world (the culture we live in) and the other is the foundation that is built on the values that Jesus Christ came to teach the world nearly 2,000 years ago.  Some may say that 2,000 year old ideas are antiquated and out of touch with today’s modern world, but I would say that what Jesus taught were eternal truths from God that are not limited by time or experience.  Let us take a few moments to look at each of them.

        As we look at the verses above that the Apostle Paul wrote, what behavior seems to be prevalent in the world around us?  I don’t believe I have experienced a time in my 65 years of life that is more angry, more harsh, more slanderous, and more violent than the time we presently live in.  Where do these behaviors come from?  I believe they spring out of the very nature of human beings.  For most human beings if they are not held accountable, they fall to self-centered and destructive behavior.  One only needs to look at the disgusting behavior of “spring breakers” that was shown on national television this past week.  Young adults, who normally would behave with some kind of human dignity, turn into drunken, promiscuous exhibitionists because they are away from the constraints of family and school.  It is clear that the relative values of the culture offer little to support a good self image.  They certainly have led to a downward spiraling behavior that is exhibited not only by immature collegians but also by the highest officials in business and government.

        The values that Jesus taught, however, are based on two simple ideas.  We are to love God and love one another.  This implies placing God and others above ourselves.  We become people, through the power of God’s Holy Spirit, who treat all other people with compassion and forgiveness.  We demonstrate through the witness of our lives what is good about humanity, instead of what is base.  The Christian projects love, grace, and peace as a response to God’s love and grace.  The values of a Christian should be peace, love, gentleness, humbleness, and purity of living.  These result not from religious law but as a response to God’s love.

        If you are tired of living the world’s dark and empty way, start anew by inviting Christ into your heart and life.  Come, join others who will love and support you.  What do you have to lose?