Ephesians 4:20-32
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Are you happy with the way your life is going? Is everything perfect in your relationships? Is there tranquility in your home? Most would say no! Who is leading in your life? Are you the one making all the decisions? If so, are you making the right ones? Many times, things go on in all aspects of our lives that are not what we desire for ourselves or our loved ones. Do you wonder why? Who is in charge in your life? How is that working out for you?
Paul is writing to the Church at Ephesus about how they are conducting their lives. It seems they are lying, stealing and doing all sorts of bad things. But there is a key phrase. Paul says “nor give place to the devil….” Who is in charge in your place? Have you made Jesus the Lord in every area of your life? If not, why not? Don’t you think He can do a better job with your life than you are doing?
John 10:10-29 (NKJV) says 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Do you want to live an abundant life? Sure you do! Why not live a life of blessing? To do that, you are going to have to make some changes. You need a new management team. It is time to elect a new leader. It is time to turn the reins over to the Lord Jesus. Put up that famous sign that others display when someone new is in charge indicating that things are going to get better. Under New Management! The old has gone; the new has come! I am a new person and will live a new life in Christ.
So Satan, pack your bags and get out! You are no longer welcome here! We don’t’ want any more of your lies and deceit. It is time for depression, anxiety, doubt and despair to hit the road with you. You have done enough damage to our lives and families. It is time for new management. It is time for us to follow the Son of God most High and to live according to his ways. It is time for the Holy Spirit to guide us in which way to go. Since Jesus already won the ultimate victory and offers that to us, today is the day we can change our focus and leadership to Him. Make that move! Put up the sign! Under New Management! Start living the abundant life today. In Jesus name! Amen!