WEAR YOUR NEW IDENTITY
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.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
During my time in the Marine Corps, we transitioned from the old woodland camouflage utility uniform to a new digital pattern. The uniforms were issued in phases, so for a while, Marines served alongside one another wearing different patterns. Some of us who had worn the old uniform for years were reluctant to change. It was familiar. We knew how it fit and had spent much of our careers wearing it. The replacement required us to let go of something comfortable. Familiarity can make us cling to things we need to leave behind. That is especially true of our former way of life.
But Paul describes something far deeper than changing uniforms. As Christians, we are called to put on a whole new self, born again through faith in Christ. Changing my camouflage left the man underneath unchanged. Salvation reaches into who we are. Paul tells believers to put off the old self, be renewed in their minds, and put on the new self, created to reflect God's righteousness and holiness. God creates this new life. Our obedience flows from His transforming work within us. Yet we can still reach for familiar sinful responses. Under pressure, we lash out. When criticized, we defend our pride. When exhausted, we excuse selfishness. We may say, That's just who I am.
In Christ, we must stop using our old identity to excuse our present disobedience. We belong to Him now. The desires that once governed us no longer have the right to direct our lives. Putting on the new self means living from the new life Christ has given us. Through His Spirit, we learn to think differently, desire what honors God, and respond in ways that reflect His character. This transformation reaches beneath what others see to the heart that drives our choices.
Where are you still living as though Christ has not made you new?
APPLICATION: Identify one response that belongs to your former way of life and name its Christlike replacement. Depending on the Holy Spirit, practice that response today: listen patiently, receive correction humbly or serve someone you would normally overlook.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for giving me new life in Christ. Renew my mind and help me stop defending the habits You call me to leave behind. Teach me to live from the new self You have created. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?