Leave the Old You Behind

"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

We are new creations in Christ. Time to leave the old you behind, discard the old habits, and move along in your relationship with Him.

But let's be honest, leaving the comfort of old habits is hard. They can be many. Smoking, lack of exercise, your drinking buddies, any of those daily routines we've held onto for years because they've been comfortable. But they are not what God wants for you. He's given you a new life and wants to show you all the grace He has in store. You just first have to be willing to trust Him and take a step.

Bad habits almost become involuntary. Trust me, I know. And it's easy to dismiss them by saying, "oh well" or "I don't like it either but I can't help it." Yes, yes you can.

The Bible identifies many things that lead us into unhelpful patterns. Complaining, gossip, poor spending, criticizing others, laziness, chasing what feels good in the moment. How many can you spot in your own life? I've got some for sure.

Paul basically tells us in Ephesians 4 that everything with our old self has to go. All of it. Spring cleaning, people.

The bitterness, the anger, the corrupting talk, the malice. Put it away. And in its place, put on kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. That's the new you.

I recognize this is going to be hard. We get attached to our habits, don't we? But it is so worth letting the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes and allowing Him to help us put on that new nature. Whatever you are struggling with today, know that God understands and has given you everything you need to find your freedom. The old you got you this far. Let the new you take it from here.

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ