Putting on the New Man

“This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Eph. 4:17-24

Some people are constantly changing their outward appearance by varying their style of clothes, wearing a different hair style, or even focusing on different jewelry or makeup. But underneath, they are sill the same people. Who have they fooled? What looks good to them now will be unsatisfactory to them in a week or two, or maybe a month. Then they will change their appearance again. There is an ongoing lack of contentment with their looks.

But our heavenly Father has given us a new life in Him that never tarnishes or looks bad or wears out. It is the inward man that is changed - it is the new man. The new man is a permanent part of our lives. The old way of sin is no longer acceptable.

It is only through Christ that we can receive this new nature. It is up to us to accept or reject what God has offered us.