February 15 - New

Long day...looking to get in bed very soon.

Ephesians 4:22-24

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.

What's the new 'thing' that you want? I would love to have a 370Z or some gadget that folds my clothes and calls people for me. We are always attracted to the newest, biggest, shiniest, and popular things. Whether it's clothes, cars, sporting equipment, or gadgets, our eyes get big and it is embedded in our brain that we 'want' or even convince ourselves that we 'need' it. To the left you see a sign to win a NEW car, to the right you see a NEW home for just within your budget, and up ahead you see a NEW pair of jeans for half off. We are tempted and we want these things.

If the 'new', next big thing, is our focus, what happens to our 'old' things? We tend to send them out the door, donate them to Goodwill, or simply pack it away in some storage place somewhere. I find myself doing just the opposite with my life.

We are instructed to put off our old self, which is living in sin and for the world, and to put on the new self, living for God and strengthening our spirit. This is another instance in which we are instructed to be more like God in righteousness and holiness. I was created in God's image, but when I give in and follow my own path, I distort that image and show a false view of my Creator. We give attention to our new self and that we should do this and not do that, but it seems we like to dig up our past, getting caught up in our old sins and traps. Our 'new' self is not a 'want' by God...it is a 'need', a must have because it is essential to God's plan and will.

Sometimes our new self or new life gets flawed and spotted, but thankfully, Christ has rectified a way for us to become clean through mercy and forgiveness. How can we begin to desire a 'new' self like we desire a new car or bigger house? Everyday is a battle. You can fight that battle with your old and weak body that is broken and bruised by the sins of the world and grips of Satan, or you can fight with your new self with a positive attitude and confidence in that what you do is for the Lord, living for Him.

Revelation 21:5a

5 He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new!"...