Throw off the Old, Put on the New

Ephesians 4:17,18,21-24

"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; [If] indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

As Christians, we are graciously gifted with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We no longer have to follow the corruptness of the flesh in darkened ignorance, but instead we can put off our former life and put on the new life which God has mercifully given us. Our new life is to be fashioned after the example set by Christ.

Don't live life treading the line, don't trade darkness for obscure shadows and dim light, instead live in the pure radiant light of God and let His glory and righteousness shine into every darkened area of your life so that He can guide you to become mature in the faith and filled with His holiness. Let His love fully permeate your life so that others can't help but see God through you. In all areas of your life, seek to glorify Him. Now that you, as a born-again believer in Christ, are given the strength and power of God to say no to the world and its sinful desires, stand strong in the Word of God and grasp firmly to the truth of the Cross in order that you can throw off your former life once lived in darkness and obscurity and grasp hold of your new life in the glorious light of Christ!