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Many of us today live under the illusion that we simply can’t change. Hidden deep under a “that’s just the way I am” attitude is a deadliest of all sins – human pride. It’s the same thing that Paul is directly targeting here in Ephesians 2 verses 11-12. In order for growth to occur, we must begin to call out our flesh and allow the Spirit to deal with it. Every time a believer says, “that’s just the way I am,” we insult the very God who we claim to follow. Pride loves “whiteout conditions,” because you sit there in the same place with no direction or accountability. It’s just you and your thoughts. It’s the same thing that keeps people in their seats when there’s an altar call.
And what does our pride tell us in those moments? “I’m OK.” “I’m not that bad.” “I have good intentions.” “I’m not as bad at that person over there.” Or how about the classic statement, “I’m right.” What does Paul say here in Ephesians 2? He says just the opposite of all those statements. He says “remember…”
So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh – called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without the Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12 HCSB
Why is it so important in this relationship with Him to remember our separation from Christ?
Isn’t this what we want? We desire to experience life on the razor edge of our faith, putting our old lives behind us and not wasting a single moment. When you don’t remember where you were, you will look to yourself, over and over again. When you remember where you were, you begin to fulfill your calling just like King David when he proclaimed, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Sam 17:37) Not me, but Him.
My prayer is that we would remember. It’s not to beat ourselves down, but to realize how He has brought us so far up.