Coming to Christ means to change. Romans 12:1 tells us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed. The root of that word is metamorphosis. Changed like a caterpillar to a butterfly.
I was reminded of this as I read my Bible this morning during my Encounter Time. In Romans 13:8 Paul tells us to owe no man anything except to love. In verse 10 he says, “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
Then he moves on to the imminence of Jesus’ return. “Time was running out,” he says. Man, I gotta think what would Paul have to say if he knew it would be over 2000 years and still counting?
But now to the Scripture which captured my attention this morning. After telling them/us to wake up (v.11) he says, “So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shiny armor of right living.” What follows is a litany of “night” actions typical of dark deeds. They also belie our new state. But then comes the coup de grace. In verse 14 Paul writers, “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Do you see it? “So remove your dark deeds” and “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is change. Take off and put on. And it always goes in that order. We don’t put clean clothes over sweaty, dirty ones. Neither should we expect to manifest kingdom living and a Christ-like spirit when the old man has never been removed.
Now, that’s not saying we have to be perfect. But it is saying we need to have a “removal service” and get clean clothes to wear. If not, no matter how clean the clothes, the stench of the old will overpower and become dominant.
“Father, take off the old; put on the new. May that be the action I take to live for you today.”
Yes, this message needs to be said over and over and over, as it is a lifelong challenge to us. Put off the old, put on the new, cause that OLD self tries to rear its ugly head. Thanks for the reminder this morning, Bill.
You’re welcome Diane. And you are right: this message needs repeating.
I am with Diane on this as well, this is not a one and done deal…
(and based on your prayer I would say you are on the same page B)
This isn’t something that I have personally been able to do… put off the old and put on the new… and forget about it. I know we don’t “lose” our new self, but sometimes I have put the old clothes back on… or at least drug them out of the heap and held them too close.
Really coincides with taking up our own cross -DAILY… A great reminder to always be diligent in moving forward, not going backwards.
You got me right Ryan. I do not believe it is a one and done deal. Far from it. A daily struggle. And yes, it is a good reminder to take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Yes, in order to live anew, we must cast aside our old ways, our dirty clothes. Great imagery and lessons here today, Bill.
Blessings!
Thank you Martha.