Signing on the Dotted Line

Last Sunday, we began a series called "Six Steps to a New Me". Ephesians 4 explains that we should stop living like the unsaved and begin looking like and acting like Christ. In fact, we are called to be the ambassadors of Christ and thus we represent Him here on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. What comes next is truly amazing – Paul explains that since we are supposed to live in the "new self" and live righteously and holy then here are some things we can do to show it.

Step 1: Watch My Mouth – Ephesians 4:25, 29 5:4 and 19,20

What we say is a reflection of what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45) and thus if Christ is in our hearts then we should say things that reflect His character. These verses tell us what NOT to say and then what TO say! Check it out.

Also, Psalm 141:3 says "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord and keep watch over the doors of my lips"

How are you doing?

Are you speaking words that HONOR others?

Are you saying words that are HEALING?

Are you using words in ways that HELP?

Ephesians 4:29 commands us to do just that.

Step 2: Clean my Heart – Ephesians 4:26,27; 4:30-32 and 5:18

To make sure that my mouth is behaving properly – I have to clean out my heart. "Of what?" You ask… Of anger – because by harboring anger we give permission to the devil to derail our lives. Verses 30-32 explain that anger brings bitterness and rage that eventually pour out in slanderous words, physical fights and acts that are intended to hurt others. Instead… INSTEAD…

forgive.

Let it go and forgive – clean it out. Move on. Never bring it back up. Look forward to the future. Renew relationships. Be compassionate to each other.

Live filled with the Spirit.

Stop burying things and then stacking other things on top of them… You cannot let time heal something you have not forgiven. Time does not heal it only build up scar tissue or a big huge scab – then something happens and RIPS it wide open again. Forgiveness allows us to move on and become family again.

THIS is the step to cleaning out our hearts – THEN, we fill it with the Holy Spirit and listen to His voice. Joy comes through forgiveness.

Proverbs 4:23-24 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. {24} Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."

It is a battle BUT the Spirit in us gives us strength and the encouragement of others in our family gives us hope.

65 people signed a paper on Sunday to commit to working on these steps – (and 4 more to follow) – they also signed to say they are willing to be accountable to others who have signed the same page. It's a start.