20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 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; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
-Ephesians 4:20-24
Ephesians 4:22: 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; - Take it off, become new, wash it away…all of these are ways to describe what Paul is commanding, but why? Why can’t we just stay the same and live our lives like we were, just believe in Jesus? Romans 6:6 says, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Some translations say, “…ruled by sin might be rendered powerless…” Sin has a way of taking over our lives. It becomes a god and we don’t even know it. The reason we needed Jesus is because of sin. In order to be the Christians we are called to be, the light in a dark world, we cannot be slaves to sin. Sin can and will have a hold on us.
But wait, there is hope. Paul then goes on to describe why you have to take off your old self in verse 23, “…to be made new in the attitude of your minds”. This is just an outward transformation that needs to take place, it’s you heart, your mind, and your soul. Your entire attitude is to be changed. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” My College Pastor at Mt. Vernon, Roger Critcher, says the number one question he gets from college students is, “What is God’s will for my life?” If you love the Lord and are obeying His commandments in the Word, it will be revealed to you. It may not be clear today or tomorrow, but if you follow in His path, you will succeed.
Finally, verse 24 says, “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Because Jesus died for us, God won’t turn His back on his children. He created us to be like him in righteousness and holiness. Living in this world and not being of it is difficult. The world will reject us because we follow Christ. It’s okay though, because this world is only temporary. We get to spend eternity in heave. Here are three verses that give us a few more examples of how we’re to be like God:
- Romans 13:14- Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
- Romans 6:4- We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
- Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
You are beautiful in God’s eyes. We were created to do good works, not to be saved, but to be the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus has given us new life, asking for nothing in return but to show Christ to others. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, a servant’s job, He set an example of who we’re supposed to be to others. Jesus washed the feet of a man he knew was going to betray Him, willingingly and wholeheartedly. We have to humble ourselves to be like Christ.
My prayer for you is that you will find humility and kindness to share with those around you. If you’ve been wronged by someone, let it go. Be Christ to everyone, no matter how difficult it is. You may be the only Jesus they ever meet. Please be praying for the CCC staff that we can humble ourselves enough to serve the people in our community and show Christ to them. Thank you for following our amazing journey.
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