September 23, 2024

Bob Maas
“Therefore, you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger, do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must no longer steal but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."
Ephesians 4:25-28

This passage discusses three of the most basic sins, of which all of us are guilty in one form or another: falsehood, anger, and stealing. We have rationalized, justified, and excused our shortcomings in infinite ways, but God is looking for a straightforward response. He wants us to walk in the light and be honest about our guilt.

This should not be difficult if we believe the Bible because God’s Word clearly shows He is merciful. Through Jesus Christ, we can approach Him anytime and anywhere if we humble ourselves and confess what we have done wrong. So, what stops us from resolving the issue and continuing to fellowship with God?

Again, the answer is simple. You and I have a crafty monster inside us called our ego. From the time we were born, it has been feeding itself through our senses and conditioning us to believe that our life consists of everything in the material realm. It is an acronym for Edging God Out.

God created us with a volition with which we can choose whatever direction we want to go in life. Like a compass, there are infinite points we can go, but there is only one which is 360.000 degrees.

Jesus Christ is our true north. All we have to do is believe that He was raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God. He intercedes for us continually and empowers us to obey His commands. When we do that, we can become one of His disciples and live the most exciting adventure there is.