Ephesians 4:17-32

A golden key for a successfully Christian life lays underfoot, unnoticed in this passage. The expectation that a Christian will live, or walk, differently is clearly stated. But how? Seven times in eight verses (Eph. 4:17-24) he uses words that have to do with our minds, thoughts or ways of thinking:

• Futility of your mind (17).
• Having darkened understanding (18).
• What you learned in Christ (21).
• You were taught (22).
• Truth in Jesus (22).
• In the spirit of your mind (23).
• Holiness of truth (24)

Christianity is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but it is. at least, a way of thinking.

Everything in Eph. 4:25-32 shouts that I've been changed by Christ coming into my life. For instance, the one who steals should work , so he'll have something to give. Not just so that he can have his own stuff, but so he can give. From thief to donor! That doesn't happen without a new birth. The transformation in speech and temper are also similarly obvious. The quality of Christians' lives and the quality of their speech are distinct selling points for the gospel.