In Ephesians 4:25-32, the apostle Paul begins to clarify our Christian responsibilities regarding works. He appeals to us in verse 1 to make every effort to live a manner of life that measures up to the magnificence of our high calling. He then makes sure we understand that we must carry out our responsibilities in humility, (the quality of being modest or respectful), kindness, and forbearance, (patience, tolerance, or self-control, especially in not responding to provocation), as we strive to maintain a state of purity, (the absence, or degree of absence, of anything harmful, inferior, unwanted, or of a different type).
For those readers who are Catholic, I have included excerpts taken from the Catechism which states in #23 The Catechism emphasizes the exposition of doctrine. It seeks to help deepen understanding of faith. In this way it is oriented towards the maturing of that faith, its putting down roots in personal life, and its shining forth in personal conduct. Then in Ephesians 4:25. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
This may be to complicated, but it needs to be said that our Daily Conduct reflects every kind of behavior that we do and all behavior comes about by the choices we make. Unfortunately, addiction has been elevated to be a national icon. By it’s very definition it becomes our excuse to carry out all kinds of nonproductive behavior. the hype that we hear about addiction would suggest that it is a disease so powerful that we no longer have free will. I wonder how Christ would handle that excuse, since free will was given to us by God? Lawyers have already used this “addict-is-helpless” argument to win billions from tobacco companies. One wrong does not make a right! The wrong initiated by tobacco companies should cease, but not at the expense of implying that the individual engaged in using that tobacco is without the ability to say no!
Psychologist Jeff Schaler, author of Addiction Is a Choice, argues that people have more control over their behavior than they think. Addiction is a behavior and all behaviors are choices,” Schaler says.
In Exodus 15:26, God is quite specific about what He wants. Again in Isaiah 57:18-21: “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” From these and previous verses, God appears to promise healing to all those, both far and near, with a contrite and humble heart. For those who do wicked deeds, there is apparently neither peace nor healing.
So our conduct, those things that we do each day, the things that gives us the greatest pleasure that we do over ant over again without respect to what that action does to our mind, body, spirit and our relationships. What a an error of judgment. However, with this destructive behavior comes a ray of hope, as we hopefully realize that life is sacred and has ultimate meaning. At first we stubbornly admit we are out of control and grudgingly ask for help.
Up to now our greatest issue is that of maintaining control, and is difficulty in letting go. Reluctantly we have a small opening in our thoughts and have the courage to set our sights on small achievable goals, goals that include cleaning up the messes in our life. We must also admit and face our self abuse and the abuse others inherit by our presents.
There you have it! A simple plan that we can understand and is in keeping with God s plan for us have a good journey.