Walking the Right Path (Ephesians 4:17-19)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Read any newspaper or listen to the news, watch the latest movie, or do some internet surfing, and you immediately see a world “excluded from the life of God.” Everyone living according to his or her own rules. No truth. No absolutes.

Futile minds. Dark understanding. Hard hearts. Calloused spirits. Devoted to sensuality. Practicing impurities. Greedy.

Makes you think the enemy is winning … and yes, he’s winning a battle or two. Therefore, those of us who follow Christ must be ready for each day’s battle.

We need to put on our defensive armor every single day (Ephesians 6:10-17). The helmet of salvation to protect our thoughts and mind. The breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts and emotions. The belt of truth so we can live according to God’s truth. The sandals of the gospel of peace so we can revel in the joy of knowing what Jesus did for us and so we can be showered with His peace. Finally, the shield of faith, the very foundation of our relationships with God.

We must take up the one offensive weapon in our arsenal: the sword of the Spirit, which is the very word of God. We must study and meditate on and memorize God’s word to us.

So when the enemy comes and tries to attack us with all those enticements of the world, we can withstand. We can stand firm.

We can shine the light of Jesus. We can have strong minds. True understanding. Loving hearts. Willing spirits. We can be devoted to loving God and others. Practice the fruit of the spirit. Be generous.