Ephesians 4:17-24 ¹⁷So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. ²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Technology is a wonderful thing. The internet allows me to share my thoughts and musings about God’s Word with people I’ve never met. Hopefully, it has brought some to a knowledge of the love of God in Christ.

However, technology has its dark side as well. The plethora of pornography so easily available is evidence of that. And even the things that pass as “entertainment” are filled with messages that are contrary to God’s Word and His will for His people. Over the years, our household has gone from an over the air antenna to cable to satellite dishes and now to streaming shows over the internet. With each step it seems like the assault on Christian values and morals has become more pronounced. Commercials advertising new shows used to promise, “You’ll never believe what happens next” or “You’ve never seen anything this shocking before!” Those ads are no longer used because these days everyone has had an opportunity to see just about everything.

I’m sure you’ve noticed how foul and filthy language has become the norm in our society. Vulgar language is used so often that many people don’t even notice it. A while back a man behind me in the checkout line called upon God to damn three different things in less than a minute. It almost seems silly to call it offensive language because no one seems to take offense. Blatant appeals to sensuality in advertising are so common that you probably just shrug your shoulders and go on.

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

The words of this passage are a pretty accurate depiction of what in going on in our world today. We have been desensitized to what is right and wrong, to what used to be an accepted morality that applies to everyone. But the problem is not just “the world.” It is our problem, too. It is all around us, and the followers of Christ often give in to the allure of temptations. The reason may be just wanting to fit in. Perhaps the promise of glamour and glitz depicted gets to you. How often do you give your selves over to sensuality, with a continual lust for more?

Too often, you and I are living like Gentiles. And that is not a compliment. Paul uses that phrase to describe those outside of God’s grace. Too often we are not just in the world, but we are of the world. We act as though we are no different than unbelievers. God calls you through Paul to stop it!

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Stop living like Gentiles. That is not who you are. When you come to know Christ, you are changed, transformed, a new person. You should be different in your thinking, your feelings and your behavior. There should be a change not only of your heart and attitude, but also of your identity, your personality. You should be the new and improved you.

More on this tomorrow.