Ephesians 4:17-24 NASBS
So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, [18] being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; [19] and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. [20] But you did not learn Christ in this way, [21] if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, [22] that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, [23] and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, [24] and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
After discussing the 5 major ministries of the church, maturity, unity, and a functional church, Paul transitions to talk about the concept of the New self. This new transformed individual, created in the image of God, embodies the righteousness and holiness of the truth. Unlike those who aimlessly walk in the darkness of their minds, detached from God’s life, lacking comprehension, and possessing hardened hearts, the New self is fundamentally different. A heart hardened and desensitized, indulging in impurity without remorse, contrasts sharply with a heart instructed in Christ, which is receptive to truth and righteousness.
This calloused heart, devoid of shame for its sins, has grown indifferent and engulfed in the world’s corruption. However, God beckons us towards a different path. He calls us to cultivate a heart that embraces the truth in Jesus, adorning itself with the New self, renewing the mind, and walking in the righteousness and holiness of the truth found in Jesus. The antithesis of a callous heart is a heart open to transformation through God’s Word, striving to discern and fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Just as a withered plant struggles to thrive without water and sunlight, a calloused heart finds difficulty in embracing God’s truth and righteousness. But in the other hand, the transformation of the heart through God’s Word is like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, embracing a new identity and purpose.
My prayer is that we will not let our hearts become callous, indifferent, or corrupt. Instead, let’s embrace our new selves and the beautiful purpose that comes with it: representing the likeness of God and shining His light in a world in need.
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