In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between our old ways and the new life we're called to in Christ. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, provides a powerful roadmap for this transformation. He challenges us to "no longer live as the Gentiles do," not because we've suddenly become Jewish, but because we've been invited into a new humanity altogether.
This new identity isn't about earning God's favor or paying back a debt. Rather, it's about living a life that's fitting and appropriate to who we truly are in Christ. It's a calling we've already received – now we must learn to walk in it.
Paul paints a vivid picture of the mindset that dominates the world apart from Christ. He describes it as futile thinking, darkened understanding, and ignorance stemming from hardened hearts. This isn't just about "those people out there" – it's a reminder of where we all came from before encountering the transformative power of the Gospel.
The description of a hardened heart is particularly poignant. Paul speaks of losing all sensitivity, giving oneself over to sensuality, and indulging in every kind of impurity. For anyone who has struggled with addiction, these words cut deep. It's the experience of knowing something is harmful yet feeling powerless to stop. As James puts it, "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. And sin, when it's full grown, gives birth to death."
But there's hope. Paul declares, "That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ." Encountering Jesus isn't just about believing something in our hearts – it's about embracing an entirely new way of life. We're called to "put off your old self" and "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
This transformation isn't instantaneous or easy. It requires a renewal in the attitude of our minds. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We must question the "normal" ways of thinking we've absorbed from the world and align ourselves with Christ's upside-down kingdom values.
So what does this new humanity look like in practice? Paul offers several concrete examples:
1. Put off falsehood: This goes beyond simply not lying. It's about refusing to pretend or fabricate a false identity to impress others. In the community of faith, we should be able to come as we truly are, without masks or pretense. The church should be the safest place to be honest about our struggles and failures.
2. Deal with anger appropriately: Anger itself isn't sinful, but how we handle it can be. Paul encourages us to resolve conflicts quickly, not letting the sun go down on our anger. Festering resentment gives the devil a foothold in our lives and communities.
3. Work and give: Instead of taking or receiving without effort, we're called to work diligently so that we have something to share with others in need. The new humanity focuses on blessing others rather than serving our own desires.
4. Watch our words: Our speech should build others up, not tear them down. Paul warns against introducing "rot" into the community through criticism, judgment, slander, or gossip. Instead, we're to speak words that benefit and encourage those who listen.
5. Put away bitterness and embrace forgiveness: The list of negative attitudes to "get rid of" is extensive – bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice. In their place, we're to cultivate kindness, compassion, and a spirit of forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness we've received from God in Christ.
It's crucial to note that none of these behaviors are purely individual. They all relate to how we function within the community of faith. We are members of one body, and our actions ripple out to affect the whole.
The path of transformation isn't always smooth. We may find ourselves, like the apostle Paul, doing the very things we don't want to do. The struggle against our old nature is real, and setbacks are part of the journey. But we don't walk this path alone. We have the Holy Spirit empowering us, and we have each other – fellow travelers on the road of faith.
As we reflect on these truths, we're reminded of the profound symbolism of communion. The bread and cup aren't markers of who's "in" or "out." They represent a universal invitation – whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. These elements symbolize our participation in the new humanity Christ came to create.
So where do we go from here? The call is clear: we must put these truths into practice. It's not enough to simply know them intellectually. We're invited to step out in faith, to live as the new creation we already are in Christ. This might mean:
- Being vulnerable and authentic in our relationships, resisting the urge to present a polished facade.
- Addressing conflicts quickly and directly, seeking reconciliation rather than nursing grudges.
- Looking for ways to bless others with our resources and abilities, rather than always focusing on what we can get.
- Intentionally using our words to encourage and build up those around us.
- Extending forgiveness, even when it's difficult, remembering the immense forgiveness we've received.
As we go out into the world, may we be ever mindful of our true identity in Christ. We are called to be light in the darkness, salt in a world that desperately needs flavor and preservation. This new way of living isn't about striving or earning – it's about surrendering to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Let's embrace this new humanity with open hearts, allowing God to continually renew our minds and reshape our actions. As we do, we'll find ourselves growing more and more into the likeness of Christ, becoming living testimonies to the power of the Gospel to change lives and communities.