Ephesians 4:17 “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”
We are plainly Commanded to “walk not as other Gentiles walk”; that is, do not live like the people around us who are guided and motivated by “the vanity of their mind”. A mind guided and motivated by “vanity” is a mind empty of “the fruit of the Spirit”. This blessed “fruit” (the product of the indwelling “Spirit”) is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). In stark contrast, a mind guided and motivated by its carnal nature, produces the undesirable “fruit” of “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like” (Galatians 5:19-21). These things are clearly seen all around us; for, the minds of “vanity” openly promote these vile things and strive to force all people to accept and embrace them. The miserable truth is that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Without “the kingdom of God”, the blessed joys of “love, joy, peace, …” are mocked and rejected in the communities and nations, leaving nothing but hate-filled coldness and meanness in its place! The Lord’s Church-Kingdom is always a blessing to the nations and communities that it resides in; for, it works for “love, joy, peace, …” among all men, even among its adversaries; creating a peaceful and pleasant environment for all men. Let us be careful to not get caught up in the bad behavior of those around us; in contrast, we are to be guided and motivated by the Holy Spirit, which always produces “love, joy, peace, …”! Let us work hard to not lose our Christian perspective and manner of living; for, just like all the past storms of life, this one will pass away also, and “the Sun of righteousness” “shall” “arise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2), and He will continue to shine brightly upon us! In the end, our Lord wins every time!