Who makes you a better______?

You have many roles in life: a dad, a man, a husband, an employee, a boss, a volunteer, etc. (written for a dad's group, so if ladies are reading, just adjust as needed :-) ).

What makes you better at each of those things? Talking with others, reading, training? Whatever our role, even for things we are really good at, we are likely to be ever striving to improve, or at least wishing we were better.

The same should be said of our role as a follower of Jesus - Living as a Christian; but there's one big difference. Check out the verses below from our study of Ephesians...

Ephesians 4:20-24New International Version (NIV)

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 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;23 to 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.

New International Version (NIV)

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In our earthly roles it's up to us - we may be motivated by others, but we don't get better if we don't learn, work, and act. In our spiritual lives, notice where the work falls: GOD makes us new, GOD creates. Our part is being willing... willing to let go of the old self and receive the new, willing to accept His love without feeling like we need to be good enough, willing to follow His example and live by His priorities.

As you spend quiet time this week - consider Ephesians 4:20-24 and realize that God has already done the work. We are passive in our salvation, but we are active in living like we're saved.