That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24, KJV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
The Greek word used for conversation in the King James translation is never used in Scripture as verbal communication between people. Rather, it means one’s manner of life, conduct, behavior, and deportment.
What is the conversation like where you play golf? Due to the very nature of the game and our competitive natures, frustration, anger, and childish behavior are unfortunately often common on the course and in the clubhouse, not to mention profane language. We allow ourselves to behave in ways we would not allow ourselves to do elsewhere.
Jesus said in Matthew 15:18 that the things that come from a person’s mouth come from the heart. In other words, whatever you are full of will spill out when you are bumped. What is spilling out of you when things don’t go as planned?
And so, we go to what is written at the bottom of every Links Players International letter and on our website, www.linksplayers.com – Changing the conversation at your club. As Christ changes our manner of life, conduct, and behavior, others are influenced around us.
As the Lord refines us (the process of sanctification), we become more like Him. Often we are not even aware of this happening. But those around us are. We can no longer sin successfully. Certainly, we can still sin, but it isn’t fun anymore; we derive no pleasure from it, only the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And that is a good thing
How is your walk with the Lord (your conversation) different today than six months ago? One year ago? Are you more apt to show grace and forgiveness? Are you more aware of your own selfishness and critical spirit?
In his loving kindness, is God showing you areas in your life holding you in bondage? That he wants to exchange for liberty? Is your language less profane (common) and more God-centered?
As Christ’s followers, our greatest witness is our behavior or conversation, as the King James translation would say. Is the fruit of the Spirit apparent in your life, the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control that come as a packaged deal once we accept Christ as our Savior?
We don’t have to ask for these things – they are within us already in the person of the Holy Spirit. We have to allow him to increase and ourselves to decrease.
Prayer: Father God, I want to cooperate with you to make me more like you. Please show me how. I ask in Jesus’ name.