Christians are to be different from the world; we are to be like Christ. We are to have his heart, his attitudes and his commitment to others. Our first priority is following Jesus. This requires a major lifestyle change.
Interested? Read on...
Ephesians, Chapter 4 (World English Bible)
Eph 4:15, but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
Eph 4:16, from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
Eph 4:17, This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Eph 4:18, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;
Eph 4:19, who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20, But you did not learn Christ that way;
Eph 4:21, if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22, that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
Eph 4:23, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Eph 4:24, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Eph 4:25, Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.
Eph 4:26, ”Be angry, and don’t sin.”* Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
Eph 4:27, neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28, Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
Eph 4:29, Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph 4:30, Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31, Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
Eph 4:32, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. (emp. added, GDR)
Eph 4:16, from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
Eph 4:17, This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
Eph 4:18, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;
Eph 4:19, who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20, But you did not learn Christ that way;
Eph 4:21, if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22, that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
Eph 4:23, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Eph 4:24, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
Eph 4:25, Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.
Eph 4:26, ”Be angry, and don’t sin.”* Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath,
Eph 4:27, neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28, Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
Eph 4:29, Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph 4:30, Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31, Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
Eph 4:32, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. (emp. added, GDR)
The things listed here are not easy, but they are the highest standard I know about. If you haven't mastered them all yet- not to worry; concentrate on where your heart is!!! The rest will follow. After all, a disciple is being a learner. BE ONE; IT IS THE STUFF OF COURAGE!!!