Putting on the New Self - Martin Wiles

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24 NLT

When she puts on new clothing, a smile graces her face.

My wife rarely buys new clothes or shoes. One reason is that she is thrifty and hates to pay the price of new clothing. So she often shops in thrift stores, and on the few times she shops in retail stores she looks for the bargain racks.

The smile that crosses her face when she tries on something new is priceless. One day, she came home with a new pair of tennis shoes—shoes that appeared to be Converse. But they weren’t. At least, not by the label—which was missing. She didn’t need the label to be satisfied. She smiled anyway.

Paul told early believers to put on their new nature just like they dressed every day. In most societies, going out in public undressed will get you arrested for indecent behavior. Just as I have to dress each day, I also have to put on the new nature Christ has given me.

I received my new nature the moment I trusted Christ as my Savior. Every believer does. Since I never lose it—and Christ won’t take it from me—why does Paul say to put it on daily? The idea relates to effort and intentionality. He is telling me to act like a Christian every day. My new nature should express itself in certain ways.

When I put on that new nature, it transforms me into the person Christ intends for me to be. In Christ, I’m perfect—but I’m not in practice. I learn to be who I am in position. I won’t automatically love everyone. I must learn to. I won’t naturally show love to every person I meet. I learn to do it. And so it goes with all the fruits of the Spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Putting on the new nature validates my profession. Who I tell others I am must be who they see. Otherwise, I’m a hypocrite and they are turned off to Christ.

And like my wife when she gets a new piece of clothing or a new pair of shoes, I’m happy when I put on my new self. When I do, I’m being myself, and I’m always happiest when I’m being me.

Put on your new self every day. You’ll be satisfied, God will be pleased, and others will be blessed.

Tweetable: Are you wearing a new self?

Prayer: Father, give us the strength to put on our new natures each day in our words, actions, and attitudes. 

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