What practical steps can we take to avoid being "corrupt" as described? The Problem: What “Corrupt” Looks Like Ephesians 4:22 warns that “the old self… is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” Corruption is not just scandalous sin; it is any decay that starts when we let selfish cravings replace God’s truth (James 1:14-15). Left unchecked, that decay seeps into attitudes, words, money choices, relationships—everything. Where Corruption Sneaks In • Hidden, unconfessed sin (Psalm 19:12) • Flirtation with tempting environments or media (Psalm 101:3) • Pride that shrugs off accountability (Proverbs 16:18) • Compromise in small matters—“just this once” (Luke 16:10) • Ignoring regular time in Scripture and prayer (Matthew 4:4) Practical Steps to Stay Clean • Put Off, Be Renewed, Put On —“Put off” the old self (Ephesians 4:22). Actively reject habits, entertainment, talk, and relationships that fuel deceitful desires. —“Be renewed in the spirit of your minds” (Ephesians 4:23). Daily Scripture reading, memorization, and meditation realign thoughts with truth (Psalm 119:11). —“Put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:24). Replace discarded behaviors with Christ-like ones—kind words, generosity, purity, service. • Guard Your Inputs —Choose companions who spur you toward godliness (1 Corinthians 15:33). —Filter media: if it normalizes sin, it infects the heart (Proverbs 4:23). —Schedule regular digital fasts to reset appetites (Philippians 4:8). • Cultivate Immediate Confession —When the Spirit convicts, confess at once (1 John 1:9). Delay allows decay. —Keep short accounts with people; seek forgiveness quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). • Practice Strategic Flight —Joseph “fled” from temptation (Genesis 39:12). Identify exit routes before the heat of the moment—alternate websites, a phone call to a friend, physically leaving the room (2 Timothy 2:22). • Strengthen Accountability Structures —Share struggles with a trusted, mature believer (Proverbs 27:17). —Invite probing questions about your walk, finances, and online life. —Consider filtered internet tools and shared passwords (Ephesians 5:11-13). • Invest in Serving Others —Corruption thrives in self-absorption; serving shifts focus outward (Mark 10:45). —Volunteer regularly—church ministries, local outreach, hospitality at home (Hebrews 13:16). • Maintain Eternal Perspective —Remember the coming judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). —Store treasures in heaven, not in corruptible places (Matthew 6:19-20). Living the Difference The Spirit empowers these steps (Galatians 5:16). As we yield, He steadily replaces decay with the fresh life of Christ, proving that holiness is not restrictive but freeing and deeply satisfying. |
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