Day 334
Ephesians 2:1-3 NIV
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."
It is good to read the letters of Paul, as he reminds us of what we used to be. It is important to remind ourselves from time to time of what we were like before Christ, because it will help us remember that we are not to live that way anymore. Because we are in this world, we are always tempted to slip back into its ways. We must keep in mind that we are to live distinctly different from the world
Paul pointed out that the ruler of the kingdom of the air, Satan, controls the way the world behaves. The way of the ungodly is more than just sinful living. It is living as though God does not exist or is not relevant. The children of disobedience put all their emphasis on natural, carnal things. They make no plans for eternity. They live for the here and now. Consequently, their priorities are things like wealth, jobs, fame and fun. They look for every opportunity to gratify their flesh, ignoring the eternal consequences. Often, they even ignore the earthly consequences. Prisons, hospitals and cemeteries are full of people who were doing what felt good to them, while they ignored the consequences of their actions.
Jesus prayed in John 17:15-16 NIV, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of it." It is important that we see ourselves the way Jesus sees us - as citizens of another world, on business in this world. The world refers to the ungodly system, not the physical planet. With the cooperation of wicked men, Satan is running this world. We must make sure we are not assisting him in his operations.
Let us remember what we were like, so we will be conscious of how we should act now. We were dead in our sins, but Jesus has made us alive to righteousness. Let us assist Him in His plan to change the hearts of all men by being living examples and testimonies of His love and goodness.
I used to walk according to the world. I was disobedient and serving my flesh. I have been changed. I am now alive to serve God and to live uprightly before Him. I am now Christ's ambassador in this world, on a mission to assist Him in turning the hearts of all men toward Him.