Because we are sinful humans, we tend to be at odds with each other. It was true for the folks in Ephesus, and it’s true for us today. Paul focuses on unity in the passages we are reading here, and there are some great nuggets of wisdom that stand the test of time.
Today we need to pick up a mirror. It’s easy for us to say we are pure and blameless. But when we look in the mirror, who do we see? If we are true to ourselves, we see a sinner who needs a savior. We see a believer who may be holding on to a grudge, judging their neighbor, or not trusting God with their life. Take a moment to really dig deep. There is something you lust for, something that is keeping you separated from God, something you need to cleanse.
Paul tells us to “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” This is not a once and done kind of exercise. We should be continually doing a heart check. When we put on this “new nature” unity with others happens naturally. We don’t have to “fake it” or struggle. When we look at others as God sees them, the division disappears. We embrace our differences.
So what happens when anger creeps in? We let ourselves feel anxious about a situation, one that is usually out of our control. We witnessed Jesus’ anger when he saw money changers in the temple. He reacted to it and did not try to hide his anger. He was not going to let his anger control him. There are a lot of angry people in this world. They are blaming others for their lot in life. By holding on to their anger, letting it control them, they are robbing themselves of the joy God intends.
There is a great Bible gem found in today’s reading. “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” It’s so true. My first marriage was full of angry outbursts. I would remember this verse and seek some semblance of peace before ending the day. It didn’t always happen. I’ve seen firsthand how anger can be the devil’s opening into our lives.
When anger is expressed in a constructive way, as Jesus’ example showed, it does not allow the devil to take control. The evil one is always looking for ways to get into our heads. Emotions like anger, lust, jealousy, greed are not what God would intend for us but lures of the evil one to fall into his trap. When we let these emotions to control us, there is no unity, peace or harmony. The devil has won.
Negative emotions will surface because we are human. We live in a sinful world full of distractions. We must continually let the Spirit renew our minds and cleanse us. God does not intend for us to live apart from him.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me and my hardened heart. Soften it so I can be open to your leading. Help me to constructively rid myself of the negative emotions I face each day. Don’t let the evil one take control. Shield me from the devil’s attacks. Use me to bring others into unity with you and each other. Help me show them your ways. I want to put on my new nature and be more like you. Thank you that you give me that chance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
