My last devotion encouraged you to “Stop Living Like Gentiles” based on this passage:

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.

How much of your life is spent in “futility of thinking” – possessions, status, earthly wealth, things that will pass away? It is tempting to think on such things, especially when you see things other have and you wish you had them, too. At such times I find it helpful to remember who I am. I am someone purchased and won from all sin, from death and the power of the devil by Jesus Christ Himself. And so are you. His perfect life was lived for you. His death was to pay for your wrong. His resurrection assures you that He has conquered death for you. Everything that He did while living among us here on earth was so that you could be His own. He paid the price. You belong to Him.  So now, you are to live a new life, a life of righteousness and holiness.

You 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; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So what does this mean for you? Don’t watch the filth that is so easily available on streaming. Make God-pleasing choices about what you allow into your home. Don’t let your children watch shows or play video games that teach values contrary to God’s Word. And don’t just say “No, you can’t watch it because I said so!” Think about the content, the message those shows are sending. Talk to your spouse and kids about why you should not subject yourself to sinful influences. Remind them and yourself that those who have been redeemed by Jesus try to live in a way that displays  their gratitude to the world. We live in a different way because we are different. You have been changed. You have been transformed. You are a new creation. With a new attitude. One that has been influenced by Jesus, who died in your place and rose again to give you eternal life.

Your faith in Christ makes necessary a change in your life and behavior. Others should be able to see a difference between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not. The actions of the faithful should reflect their faith. Knowing Jesus and all He has done makes you different than the Gentiles. So you shouldn’t live like them.

You have been called to live a new life of righteousness and holiness, not to merit of earn your forgiveness, but because you have been forgiven. Stop living like Gentiles. Live like the redeemed children of God you are.