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Formerly, we all lived among them in the passions of our sinful flesh, as we carried out the desires of the sinful flesh and its thoughts. Like all the others, we were by nature objects of God’s wrath.

Ephesians 2:3, EHV

Before being brought into the faith of Jesus Christ, all people are caught up in sinful desires and living in ways that are seen as good and pleasing. Without Christ, hearts and minds are led by the common desires seen as normal and natural in the world. The pursuit of self-gratification is the norm of humanity. This doesn’t mean that those who do not know Christ do not do things for the benefit of neighbors or family, but the central motivations are often driven differently. As we are led out of living in a worldly way, we find that God will guide us to live and act differently, and our motivations are changed. Sin still reigns in our hearts and our minds, so death is ever before us. Our nature is centered on the celebration of self instead of glorifying God. As we are led by the Holy Spirit, our knowledge of God’s wrath increases, and our care for our neighbors and family is changed because our hearts seek to lead everybody into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.