Putting off our old self and putting on our new self is something we are all required to do as Christians because we are now new creations in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
But whilst becoming a brand new person may be an exciting idea, the challenge comes in turning that idea into a reality and actually becoming a new person.
So, how do you do it?
How do you put off your old self and put on your new self?
Let’s study Ephesians 4:22-24 and find out.
Putting Off the Old and Putting on the New
…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
As this verse reveals, between taking off your old self and putting on your new self, there is a mind renewal that must take place.
You Must Renew Your Mind
Your thoughts influence your character, your actions and your behaviour. So if you find yourself behaving in an ungodly way, it is as a result of what is in your mind. It is because of your negative or ungodly thoughts.
So if you desire to start behaving in a godly way, your thinking process must be renewed and overtaken by the Word. But this will only happen if you spend regular time in God’s Word. Which brings us to the next point.
You Must Be Consistent
If you want the Word of God to start renewing your mind and changing the way you think, you must be consistent in reading it. Your mind will not be renewed of if you only read it once a week or whenever you feel like it.
The Word must become an integral part of your life and you must spend time in it every day. Once you do this, the Word will begin to transform you into a new person.
But whilst the Word has the ability to transform you, that transformation will not take place unless you actually act on the Word. For, it is not the passive hearer but the active doer of God’s Word who is changed. (James 1:25)
You Have a Role to Play
You have a role to play in putting off the old self. In the same way, your clothes do not spontaneously fall off your body or come onto your body; you do not spontaneously put off the old self and put on the new self.
If you desire to change what you are wearing, it is up to you to take off the clothes that are currently on your body and put on a different outfit. But for as long as you take no actions to remove your former clothes, they will stay on your body. The same goes for putting off your old self.
For as long as you do not actively take steps to put off your bad habits, put off your ungodly character or put off your negative thought patterns, your old self will not be removed and your new self will remain in the closet. But it is important to understand that you cannot do this by your will alone.
You Need the Holy Spirit
In order to put off your old self, you need the help of the Holy Spirit for as Philippians 2:13 says, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Therefore, in order to behave in a new and godly way, you must let the Holy Spirit work through you by meditating on the Word of God.
Ask for God’s Grace
As you can see, putting off your old self and putting on your new self is easier said than done. But it is not impossible for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
All you need to do is remember how much you need God’s help and ask Him for His strength, grace and Holy Spirit to enable you to put off you old self. To do that, you can start by praying this simple prayer:
Oh Lord, just as I can need the help of your Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and to walk in holiness, purity and righteousness, I also need Your Spirit to help me to put off my old self put on my new self, to leave behind my old manner of life and live in a new way.
So I ask You, oh Lord, for the grace to do that and to live a life worthy of Your calling. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
