…that, in reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the
lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on
the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness
and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each
one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:22-25
To be
efficient with our time, energy and resources for the Lord we will need to have
our minds renewed! Put away the old ways and turn over a new leaf on life—begin
fresh—with new energies, new ideas, righteous and holy ways that are pleasing
to God. Proverbs 13:20 tells us…Walk with
the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. NLT. With
whom we associate says a lot about our own character.
Training Tip – Talk with your family about the importance of
choosing good people for good friends. If you have examples in your own life—share
those. Within your extended family there are sure to be some examples of good
and bad choices for friends.
If you are
looking for a dramatic way to emphasize this concept, cut out a piece of black
construction paper to look like jail bars and a red circle with a line diagonally
across it—the traditional “DO NOT ENTER” sign. Then take photos of each family
member and put them behind bars. Sometimes bad choices with friends will end up
in jail time. Tell them that you never want them to be behind bars and put the “DO
NOT ENTER” sign across those bars.
Lord, I give You my old self—my old ways and ask
that You renew my mind and spirit that I would become more like Jesus every
day. Help us to speak the truth—Your truth to everyone around us—that they
would know we are Christians by our love.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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