God’s Goal Is My Character, Not My Comfort

In review of Ephesians 4:22-24 it says, “Take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.”

Bottom Line:

Get rid of the old sinful self and take on a different way of life that is renewed from the inside and working its way out into your conduct. God is reproducing his character within you.

What this means to me:

I am to get rid of my old way of life which was corrupted by its deceitful and take on an entirely new way of life, one that is being renewed from the inside and working itself out into my everyday conduct. Through this process God is accurately reproducing his character within me.

I often try to control my own circumstances/future and even those around me. When I do this it’s like me trying to become God. What I’m learning is that God doesn’t want me to become a god but rather become godly in character (taking on his values, attitudes and character). This verse reminds me to “take on an entirely new way of life” one fashioned in God’s character, a life renewed inside and working itself into my conduct.

Also, I realize that God’s ultimate goal for my life here on Earth is not comfort but rather character development. He wants me to grow up spiritually and become like his Son Christ. Becoming like Christ doesn’t mean that I need to lose any of my personality. God did create me with uniqueness, so he certainly doesn’t want to destroy it.

Being a christian will never guarantee perfect health, comfortable lifestyles, constant happiness, and instant relief from problems through faith and prayer.  Earth will never be Heaven.  God is not a genie who exists to serve my selfish pursuits of personal fulfillment. He is not my servant. I must remember that this life is not about me, I exist for God’s purposes not vice versa.

In summary, I am to take on new and get rid of old. God initiates the new and starts inside and works its way out so that I can become like him. Ultimately God gives me time here on earth to build and strengthen my character for Heaven.