We studied the issue of transformation in our last Lent devo. It focused largely on the transformation of our minds as the content of our minds is at the center of how we live our lives. Today the focus is on our words, actions, and interactions with others. In all of these, Paul asks us in Ephesians to trade up. To literally trade our tendencies for crude behaviors for behaviors that reflect the Holy Spirit we have resident in our lives. The fact that we must be reminded of these things often in the Scriptures is indicative of how easy it is to live out of our sinful nature rather than our spiritual nature.

What are some of those crude behaviors that we should abandon? These are all found in Ephesians 4 and 5. And, they are exceedingly practical.

The first has to do with truth. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” We don’t like to think of ourselves as liars but it is very easy to shade the truth and be less than honest. Paul says, trade up from falsehood for whatever reason to truthfulness because we are members of one body, one family as it were - the family of Jesus and He is a person of truth.

Then there is the issue of anger.  “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Notice that Paul does not tell us that anger itself is sinful. There are things that should cause us anger. But, rather than allowing anger to lead to sinful behaviors, he tells us not to allow anger to cause us to sin. And, to keep short accounts with anger and forgiveness so that it does not fester and become a foothold in our lives for the evil one. This last principle is so important given our ability to carry around grudges and bitterness for years which leaves us open to the devil.

Then there is the issue of what we say and think. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

I don’t know about you but these are convicting words for me. When we are frustrated or angry we say things that are not Jesus. In ways that are not Jesus. With attitudes that are not Jesus. In fact, when we say and do these things we actually grieve the Holy Spirit of God who lives within us. Paul says, trade up and don’t drag the Holy Spirit into your crude behavior.

His final words here are practical and beautiful if practiced. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. In other words I am to treat others just like God treats me. He says further, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

I love the admonition to “walk in the way of love” like Christ does. Here is a very practical suggestion. When you start to feel frustrated and irritated or angry, ask yourself, what it would look like in this situation to walk in the way of love. I needed to ask that question recently when talking to a customer service person who didn’t feel my love - or the love of Jesus in our interaction. All of us have people or situations in our lives where our responses would be different if we chose to walk in the way of love.

Why is all this important? Because we have traded darkness for the light of Jesus and therefore we should live like Jesus “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.”

As I write this I think of some folks that I know really need to pay attention and trade up their words, attitudes, and actions. The problem is that I need to do it as well. These are areas where we are all vulnerable and need to trade up our conduct so that it matches the new life and light of Jesus. If we did, Christians would have a much different reputation among unbelievers. Too often we can legitimately be seen as harsh, critical, judgmental, unkind and sometimes uncouth.

So Paul says, trade up. Trade up. Let our words and actions reflect our moving from darkness to light. Not because we now have a bunch of rules but because we now have an example to follow in Jesus.

OK Lord, today got personal. I admit it. And I know my own sinful tendencies. Help me to trade up my sinful tendencies for a life where I choose to walk in the way of love. Remind me often, Lord, of the way of love. Amen

The Question for today: Where do I need to trade up and walk in the way of love?