Snakes

Snakes

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“And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness,” Ephesians 4:24, ESV.

I was at a prayer meeting recently, and the sweetness of earnest confession filled the room. As I think about some of the struggles young men and women go through it’s as if they have stepped into a snake’s mouth and were swallowed whole. This is not a unique situation just for the young, it’s one we all experience.

At times we all feel like one decision we have made led us down the wrong path. Whether it was dating someone who wasn’t the best fit for us, morally, physically, emotionally or spiritually. We then find ourselves trying to break up without hurting their feelings.

Or we say something stupid at a reunion and feel our reputation is set for another five or ten years.

When we put on our new self, created in God’s likeness, it means we step into His Spirit, and walk in His character.

Furthermore, it means we change what we think and believe about God—and accept His opinions, as truth.

For example, there’s a reason God tells us we can drink, but not get drunk. That if we want to be filled with a spirit, let it be the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 5:18).

I was at a gathering one time where alcohol was served, and I witnessed how a very pleasant person with polite conversation changed after a few drinks. Their wall of self-control dropped, and all inhibitions were gone. They slipped into gossip and they didn’t care how they treated the people around them.

It’s like they took off their Christian skin and replaced it with a self-centered haughtiness.

I’ve also seen the reverse, someone tempted to drink, putting on God through prayer. They dumped the drink, and trusted God to heal their hurt heart. They knew alcohol wasn’t a cure. At the end of the evening, one stood taller, another ranted.

Putting on God, changing our way for His, saves lives. Ours and others who might have been a victim of our self-centered state.

God’s ways are true, right and worthy of applying to our lives.

How is God fitting you today? Is He a good fit? Or is He still hanging in the closet, unworn?

Father,

You are wisdom, understanding, truth and righteousness. When we fully understand this we find it easy to worship You. When we are unsure, we fake our worship for You. We turn the music up louder hoping to fill a void.

Help us to see You. To search for You to the point of understanding and believing You are all we need.

Thank You for being so patient with us. Help us to trust You more every day.

Amen.