Walking as the Gentiles do (Eph 4:17-19; 1 Pet 4:3-4)
In the futility of their minds (Rom 1:21)
Futility: a life without God; not living to glorify God or give thanks to Him for His providence and sustaining of life
Darkened in their understanding
Cannot see the light; lost without a clear direction in life
Alienated from the life of God
Calloused and hard-hearted
Being past feeling; blind to one’s own sins
Without conscience and unable to feel or understand the heart of God
Seize opportunities to practice and make changes (examples)
When met with daily frustrations - waiting in traffic, dealing with a demanding boss, conflicts with your children, or hurtful words from your spouse, instead of losing your temper, speaking rashly, or holding a grudge, use the opportunity to practice patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
Even small steps such as counting to 10 and taking a deep breath to remind yourself to think before you speak can make a difference.
Meditate on and keep God’s words in our hearts. When our principles are challenged, God’s words will remind us of what is right and help us make the better choice (Ps 119:11).
There may be pressure at our work or school environment to “go with the flow” or to compromise to fit in. We may be influenced by cultural trends and imitate our friends or co-workers in lying, cursing, cheating, gossiping, or participating in unholy activities.
Use these opportunities to act with integrity and practice saying “no” in order to stand fast in our Christian identity and safeguard our holiness.