As a pastor, one of the things I’m most passionate about people understanding is that Christianity is not just a philosophy—it’s a call into a personal relationship with God. The problem is that many people answer that call simply to secure eternity in heaven, without fully realizing what it means for their life on earth.
A study by the Barna Group reports that about two-thirds of Americans say their faith in Jesus is important to them. Yet it’s clear that two-thirds of Americans are not living that way. Somewhere between belief and daily life, something is getting lost.
Peter gives us the answer in Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance invites God, in His mercy, to wipe our sins away—but it also calls us to turn. Salvation opens the door, but we still have to walk the narrow way. When we do, times of refreshing follow.
Paul expands on this in Ephesians 4:22–24: “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.” It’s a three-part process, and each part matters.
First, Paul urges us to put off the old. In verses 17–19, he tells the Ephesians to no longer live as unbelievers do—with futile thinking, darkened understanding, hardened hearts, and unrestrained sensuality. Transformation begins when we allow God to expose wrong patterns and call us out of them.
Second, we are to be made new in the attitude of our minds. (v. 20-24). This is the inner work of surrender—inviting God to reshape our thoughts, renew our desires, and redefine our identity. He has the power to redeem every part of our story, but He will not override our will. Renewal requires our cooperation.
Finally, Paul calls us to put on the new self—to act differently in the same circumstances—not living sinfully, but shining as a light in the dark. In verses 30–32 he writes, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
We serve a good God—One who desires what is best for us. So don’t let the enemy convince you that eternity is the only gift of salvation. As we put off the old, allow God to create the new, and follow Him in the habits He calls us to change, we discover that the abundant life isn’t merely waiting in heaven—it begins right here, right now!
