When we read these verses, my prayer is that we are filled with compassion for those who are separated from Christ, not filled with judgment. How difficult would it be to walk through life’s most difficult seasons with futile thinking, a darkened understanding, and a hardened heart?
A few weeks ago, Jose talked about some of the other “isms” that we often find ourselves anchored to instead of anchoring to Christ. One of these is hedonism, which simply put is the idea that seeking pleasure is the highest aim of life. This mindset naturally leads to the loss of our senses, as Paul points out. The constant seeking of pleasure, or whatever might make us “happy” in the moment, starts to desensitize us. Impurity and greed are natural byproducts.
Paul tells the Ephesians to “no longer live as the Gentiles do”… meaning sometimes it still happens. In my rebellion, specifically when I have stepped away from my identity as a whole and loved daughter, I find myself living as these verses describe — futile thinking, darkened understanding, separated from God.
However. There is a however. We are not left thinking there is no way out. There is always a however. We have scripture, we have the church body, we have discipleship, and we have the Holy Spirit. Those pillars teach us “the truth that is in Jesus.”
Jesus, give us the wisdom to see when we are starting to behave as we did before we knew Christ. Give us compassion for those who don’t know Christ yet. Those who know you know truth, you are “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and we ask that you continue to teach us truth through your word and your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.