17 "With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes."
The first truth that comes pouring out of this section, is that our lives are different from before we come to Christ to after we do. You might not have been the 'worst of the worst' Gentiles, but there is still a difference between how we all were before and how we are after coming to Christ. To deepen our spiritual strength, we don't depend on ourselves, but on God's Spirit. I get myself into trouble so many times because I try to take matters into my own hands, when what I need to do is rely upon Him and His abilities to renew my thoughts and attitudes. It makes a lot more sense too when you take a moment to think about it. Why would we, who lived in ways that are contrary to God, think that we can teach ourselves a new way that we know nothing about? Thank God that He sent His Spirit to teach me the new way to live and help me along the way! I'd still be helplessly lost without Him! =)
"God You are awesome! I pray that Your will would be done in my life. I pray that You send Your Spirit even more into my life, to help me develop new thoughts and new attitudes, and so that I will be more pleasing to You. I pray that You would do the same for everyone who's reading this as well. I love You and desperately need You each and every day! It's in Jesus' name that I pray, amen!"
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