How will human transformation take place? How will I become the person of goodness that I long to be? Where will I get the steadfast motivation to choose what’s right? Paul has already rejected the idea that we can be motivated to become good in order to earn salvation: in the midst of our trespasses it is by grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:5), grace that God lavished upon us (1:7-8) because we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (1:4).

Paul pleads with us to lead a life worthy of our calling (4:1). This life involves humility in maintaining unity with other Christians, recognizing that we all belong together in the one Spirit, the one Lord, the one Father (4:2-6); it involves actively using gifts that Christ – who came down from heaven and ascended again – gave to his people (4:7-11); it involves growing up as saints who fulfill the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ (4:12-13); it involves a maturity that is capable of recognizing the deceitful scheming that others – and ourselves! – are capable of, and not being blown away by it (4:14-15).

We want to say Yes to all these things: but we also need to say No to the licentiousness and impurity of the lifestyle we used to follow – and often still do. That lifestyle led to darkened understanding: it gave us an old self that was corrupt and deluded in its lusts (4:17-22). That may sound like a harsh verdict; but there is no other way to step into true righteousness and holiness (4:24) other than by leaving behind those former practices.

Again, we’re not aiming to be good enough to earn our way into heaven; Paul already ruled that out. But we are indeed aiming to be people of genuine goodness, living a life of purpose, meaning, and devotion. It is not an easy thing: but Paul has laid out for us a pretty extensive way of practicing the Christian life, so that we can become the saints that God created us to be.

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We pray that you would indeed work your transformation within us, by the power of your Spirit, O Lord. Teach us to use the gifts you have given us: to build one another up, to turn away from our bad choices, and to grow into the maturity and fullness of life that you have always wanted for us.

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