Devils need no help. In this case, the Devil is none other than Satan himself. Elsewhere we are told to stand against him (Eph 6:11), resist him (James 4:7) and be alert for him (1 Peter 5:8). In regard to him, we need to identify things to do and things not to do. Here we see just how this can happen, namely, with a proactive game plan.

Details of the putting off and on now emerge. First comes dealing with truth in personal relationships. Avoid lies and speak the truth. We have seen this already earlier in this chapter (Eph 4:15, see also Col 3:9). This should be nothing new, for one of the ten commandments is to not bear false witness. Much of the moral code of the Old Testament carries over to and is reinforced in the New Testament. What is new here is the reason, “for we are members of one another.” It makes no sense to misrepresent, distort or otherwise falsify the truth, or in any way misrepresent reality in our dealings with other people, and with Christians in particular.

Yet, today we live in an image-falsifying society, where people feel they can photoshop their way through life, altering what really is and replacing it with what they want it to be. Life, it seems, is better when depicted on the video screen, airbrushed and with music added. Lying happens when we misrepresent ourselves, trying to project on to others an image of ourselves that does not correspond to reality, but is fed by our self-exalting bent. We do this for various reasons, one of which is the futile attempt to gain advantage or standing. At the heart is the desire to please oneself (aka “living like Gentiles”) rather than walking worthy of our calling.

Relationships also involve anger, a natural response in certain circumstances. Here Paul does not say, “Don’t get angry.” Trying to eliminate emotions is not possible, for even God gets angry. The trouble is when anger is unjustified or not adequately expressed or dealt with. Anger is not the problem, but sinning while angry is. This well quoted verse today speaks of limiting the extent of your anger. Deal with it, don’t let it fester or engender bitterness. Don’t take revenge against or stop loving those with whom you get angry. Satan’s goal is to cause division. Don’t give him a foothold!