Off With The Old ~ On With The New

A new year always brings thoughts of things we'd like to change or
accomplish in our lives, but for those who belong to Christ, our task is
a daily one as we put off the old and put on the new.



As I
meditated on the following passage, I realized how much I need the work
of Christ in my life to be a conqueror in these areas every day.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all made these our New Year's
Resolutions?





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.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to
your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not
sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not
give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no
longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that
they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for
building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those
who listen. 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. ~Ephesians 4:22-32, NIV 



PUT OFF THE OLD



Self: Our hearts are naturally deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).


Falsehood/Lies: Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).


Anger: Like a deeply embedded splinter, the
longer we hold onto anger, the more painful and deadly it becomes. It
also gives the enemy a crack to squeeze into.
Stealing: Stealing defrauds others, ourselves and God.
Unwholesome Talk: Nasty jokes, curse words, gossip and slander--the trash talk needs to go back to the trash and stay there.


Grieving God's Spirit: Holy God lives within us. He is grieved when we act in malice toward others.

PUT ON THE NEW



Self:
We're created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. While we
can't acquire these qualities for ourselves, God has graciously given
them to us through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Truthfulness: Believers must speak truth because we're part of the body of Christ, who is Truth (John 14:6).
Usefulness: God has placed us in our place of
work/service. Our work provides us with the means to meet our daily
needs, but it's also for the purpose of sharing "with those in need."
Building Others Up: Our words hold life and death (Proverbs 18:21). May we be quick to speak words of life.
Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness: God, in His goodness, has bestowed these gifts on us. How can we do any less? 

Lord God, thank You for providing a new way of life for
us through Christ. Give us strength throughout this new year to put off
the old and put on the new. In Jesus' powerful name, Amen.