Throw off, be renewed and put on.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24

Have you put off your old self today?

These verses remind the follower of Christ that we get to participate in living the life that God has saved us to. And while we have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col 1:13), our flesh will always be at war with our born-again identity. It is because of this battle that the Christian must daily make the decision to throw off the old self.

When you look closely at these verses, you can see the heart of God at work. As we practice throwing off our old self, God renews our minds and this enables us to put on the new nature each day. It’s comforting to know that we are far from alone when following Christ, God is very much involved when we are obedient to his commands.

So, have you thrown off your old sinful nature today? I encourage you to remember that while you are doing all that you can to be a doer of this word, God is also at work in you, helping you to be holy.

Father God, thank you for giving us a new nature, and for a new way to live in Christ. As we strive to daily throw of our old sinful nature, help us remember that you are right there renewing our minds. May we stay motivated to Put off what gets in the way, and to put on our new nature. In Jesus name, Amen.