Ephesians 4:17-32. Adjustment and change should almost be a way of life for us as Christians as we strive with God's help to become the people He has called us to be. There must never come a time in our lives when we can say I've arrived and there is no more need to change. Our goal is to be like Jesus and the only thing that is really possible is to just get closer. One major point that should go without saying - but doesn't, is that when two lifestyle characteristics conflict - one has to go. Hopefully we choose to retain the one that is the most like Jesus. When we discover an attitude that doesn't bring glory to God, guess what needs to happen. The Scripture says to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully' Sometimes we're tempted to shade the truth to avoid conflict, or that people won' t think badly of us. Truth that cannot be told in love shouldn't be told at all. Sometimes wounding with the truth is as bad a lie. Our motivation should be to strengthen, inform, encourage, build-up. The Scripture treats anger as a fact of life, but it is an emotion that when out of control can be very destructive. Paul is offering some very tight guidelines on handling anger. When you're angry - don't sin. Don't act on all the thoughts that come into your head. He goes on to say, don't even go to bed without resolving it. Holding anger over time can be very costly. Notice the contrast between stealing and work in 4:27&28. If you say, "I don't steal"! Is it stealing not to give our best to those we've made commitments to. Look at the motivation for working - "so that we will have something to share with those in need." We're told not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Remember. If your saved He's living within you - Don't give Him any reason to feel uncomfortable.?

Time for Adjustment