Introduction
Yesterday, Paul discussed the old and new ways. We discussed the positive actions we must take to obey Christ's new way. Today, Paul will discuss the specific negative actions and outcomes we see when we walk in the old way.

Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 4:25-32 (New Living Translation)

"So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Explanation and Reflection
Paul “goes negative” here because he wants us to understand the distinctions between what is acceptable when we follow Christ and what is not. Sometimes it helps to define something by what it is not. The Gospel is a declaration of beautiful Spirit-driven behaviors and a rejection of evil behaviors driven by the devil.

1. Lying
   If you look back to Genesis 3, sin in this world started with a lie (Genesis 3:4,5). Great people, situations, environments, families, workplaces, etc., are always undone by lying. People can get away with lying for a season, but it always catches up to them, and the outcome destroys them and others.
2. Anger
   Anger is a vast topic that deserves more than a paragraph here. It's complicated. It’s not that we shouldn’t get angry. Instead, if we are angry, we need to be angry about the right things in the right way. The problem is that when it comes to right anger in the right way, we are often self-deceived. We give ourselves too much credit in unhealthy anger and justify its mismanagement by calling it “holy” or “righteous.” We can be angry at the things that anger God. We can be angry if our anger is constructive and redemptive. However, be careful. Often our anger is just more a lack of emotional self-control, self-awareness, and full of self-interest.
3. Stealing
   Most somewhat “moral” people don’t consider this a problem. We think we have mastered this commandment (Exodus 20:15). However, don’t evaluate this by your standards or the world’s. Consider stealing on God’s terms. So you don’t steal? What about time at work spent gossiping or shopping online when you should be working? What about that thing you borrowed but don’t have a sincere interest in returning because “they probably forgot about it”? What about the answers you got from someone else when taking the test at school because “everyone is doing it”? Most of our days are filled with little choices to do the right thing or to take. Christian integrity should be above reproach. There are no “little takes.” There is only “stealing,” period.
   One other thing about stealing: Stealing is not just taking what is someone else’s. It’s also a lack of generosity or the unwillingness to share what you earned yourself. Paul says instead of stealing, “use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” When you work hard but don’t share with the needy, you steal. Our scarcity mentality is a form of theft.
4. Language
   For most people, their mouth is their biggest problem. It’s also important to note that your mouth includes your keyboard and smartphone. The Constitution may give you “freedom of speech,” but the Gospel does not. We are called to control our speech regarding what we say and how we say it. Paul states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander.” Could these words not be more straightforward? Is there any wiggle room for interpretation in our justification? We all need to say Godly things in Godly ways. The opinion we just “have to express” is not nearly as important as “Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
5. Lifestyle
   All these things above and more could add up to what we call a lifestyle. Paul's list of problems is by no means comprehensive. Instead, the list is less important than the goal: “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.” In other words, our goal is a lifestyle that brings joy to God. All the above is about what thoughts, speech, and actions bring delight to the Lord. It’s not about rules; it’s about bringing pleasure to Jesus.

All of the above is hard. Due to our sinful nature, we are all naturally inclined to behave in these ways. While we are called to live in these ways, there is excellent news. First, we all fall short and can be forgiven. Second, the power of the Holy Spirit is with those who walk with it. Submission and surrender to the Spirit enables us to grow in these areas. With this forgiveness and help, we can become the people God has called us to be.

Question of the Day
Here's a question for you to think about and apply:
Which is your biggest struggle among the negative behaviors above (lying, anger, stealing, or language)? What next steps could you take to grow healthier in that area?