Ephesians 4:17–24

Paul describes life apart from God as a life marked by futile thinking, darkened understanding, dulled moral sensitivity, and desires that are never quite satisfied. The problem is deeper than bad behavior. It is a life disconnected from the Source of life.

But then Paul says something remarkable: “But you have not so learned Christ.”

Christianity is not merely learning a new set of rules. It is learning Christ.

We learn a new way to think.
A new way to see ourselves and others.
A new way to understand and apply truth.
A new way to handle desire.
A new way to relate to God.
A new way to live.

Paul says to put off the old, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new.

That means following Jesus involves more than asking, “What should I stop doing?” We also ask:
•What way of thinking needs to change?
•What desire needs to be brought under Christ?
•What truth have I forgotten?
•What part of the new life needs to become visible in me?

The world around us is constantly teaching us how to think and what to desire. But the believer has another Teacher–Christ.

The Christian life is the continual process of unlearning life in Adam’s world and learning life as new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Today, ask Him: “Lord, where do I need to think differently so I can live differently?”