“(…) and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesian church, chapter 4.
Christmas is over, and, as it is in my house, your trash can probably overflows with wrapping paper and boxes.
New toys fill children’s bins, new clothes hang in closets and the latest gadgets rest on kitchen counters. Indeed, this is the time of year when many homes are filled with long-awaited new items.
Everybody loves new things. Like most women, I love wearing new outfits or using a new gadget. We love to drive that new car or sit on that new couch. It’s fun to move into that new house or redecorate the old one with new objects and furniture.
Indeed, wearing or using the “new” is easy. But when it comes to spiritual things, it is probably safe to say that “putting on the new self” can be challenging.
Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians was designed as an encouragement letter to the believers in Ephesus. In it, Paul describes the nature of the church and challenges Christians to live as faithful representatives of Christ on earth.
After a warm greeting, Paul reminds the Ephesians of their standing as believers: Redeemed, freed from the bondage of sin, chosen for greatness, filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to accomplish supernatural things. As one reads the first three chapters of the letter, the apostle’s passion and excitement are palpable.
Then, in chapter 4, as though overcome with emotion, Paul changes his tone and starts reminding believers of their responsibility in light of the great gift Christ has given us. Because of his great love and grace, we must choose to walk in a manner worthy of Christ.
In what seems like a list of do’s and don’ts, the apostle sets the instructions for a walk that is worthy of our nature as God’s children. He says (in my colorful interpretation):
“You, redeemed child of the Most High, lay aside the old clothes. Stop walking as those who are still in darkness. Remember, I have empowered you to do this!”
“You, chosen seed of Abraham, put on the ‘new garments’ of righteousness and truth I have given you!”
“You, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, master your tongue, your thoughts, your emotions! Therefore, speak the truth! Don’t slander your neighbor! Control your temper!”
“You, whom I have empowered for great things, don’t steal precious time from me. Stop procrastinating. Don’t waste a minute in vain tasks that bear no fruit for your future. I have a plan for you. Keep working diligently, doing your part in fulfilling your destiny.”
Indeed, as we wait for a new year to dawn, the apostle’s words in chapter 4 of Ephesians are a sober invitation to pause and reflect:
What would our world be like if every Christian were as eager to “put on the new self” as we are to put on new clothes or use new gadgets?
What will happen in this new year if we decide, each day, to wear the new garment Christ has purchased for us — a garment adorned with truth, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
Indeed, what would our impact be if we all stood up together and said: “No. We are not watching that. Or supporting that. Or repeating that. No, we are not going there. Or touching that.”
This one thing I know: Were we not vested with the ability to do these things, the Holy Spirit would not have inspired the Apostle Paul to use imperative verbs in these verses to admonish us: “Lay aside!” “Put on!” “Steal not!” “Let not!”
As we enter the new year, the question is not if we can put on the new self but if we will. This is a call to actively embrace our identity in Christ — empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the transformation he has made possible. Let’s discard the old, reject darkness and step into the light, thus becoming living testimonies of God’s grace.
The choice is ours: Will we walk as children of light?
Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, podcaster and international speaker. Visit her new website: www.PatriciaHolbrook.com. Watch her podcast on YouTube: God-sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook. For speaking engagements and comments, email patricia@PatriciaHolbrook.com.
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