Changing Clothes

Posted on by Dennis Foote

Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:24 NLT

There is sometimes confusion about identity once we come to have faith in Christ. Am I the sum of my past mistakes and failures? Or am I a new creation in Christ?

When we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we are born again of the Holy Spirit. We go from being spiritually dead — disconnected from God, to spiritually alive in Christ.

God does this for us.

Once we’re spiritually reborn, we have a part to play. It’s called obeying our Father in Heaven. Jesus is our example. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. They both do the will of the Father. And so should we.

The manifestation of our spiritual or carnal natures is comparable to wearing clothes. What do you see on the outside? That’s our words and behavior. What are we presenting to the world?

Don’t forget that Christ has cleansed you of your former sins. Your old life is gone. Walk in newness of life.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Ephesians 4:22 NLT

The enemy of our souls wants to keep us stuck looking in the rearview mirror. There’s nothing you can do about what’s in the past. Leave it there. Forgive and be forgiven. Let go of the old and embrace the new.

You were created to be like God — truly righteous and holy. That’s who you are now. Does the devil have you confused? Then tell him to shut up and do your homework. Read the Bible and renew your mind with the truth.

Prayer Points

  • Ask the Lord to cleanse you of all your former sins.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your thoughts and attitudes to align with God’s Word.
  • Thank God for being the Lord of your life and the Savior of your soul.

Father in Heaven, forgive us of all our past failures, sins, errors and mistakes. Let us put the past in the past and not retain any offense. We choose, as an act of our own free will, to forgive anyone and everyone who has sinned against us. Wipe the slate clean. Let us rise up and shine in the image and likeness of God. May Your glory come to Your Church. Amen.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT

Recommended reading: Ephesians 4.

2 thoughts on “Changing Clothes”

  1. Hey Dennis,

    Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

    We have declared war and we are on the victorious side. We are soldiers with strategic plans for global impact. I am humbled, even fearful, grateful and expectant.

    We are more than conquerors.

    Dave

Comments are closed.