Reflection: I wonder if you can remember a time when you delighted in an item of new clothing. Perhaps to replace something worn and no longer fit for your purposes.
Paul’s image today is of an ‘old self’ and a ‘new self’ – like old clothes that need to be taken off and new clothes that should be put on.
The putting off of the old self and the putting on of the new self is something that happens when people become Christians, as well as in an ongoing way through the Christian life. Note that the old and new selves are completely different. There’s a sharp contrast between the pictures painted in verses 22 and 24. Our lives should look very different once we become Christians!
It’s vital to note that we don’t have to make ourselves new! God has created a new self for each of us and is also constantly renewing our minds (v23). Our job is to put that new self on when we turn to Christ and to continue to put on this new self each and every day.
‘Re-creation (what God does) and repentance (what we do by his grace) belong together and cannot be separated’ (The Message of Ephesians, John Stott, p 182). In what ways can you see God renewing your mind? What do you need to repent of today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given me a new self in Christ. Please keep making me new, and help me daily to put off the old and put on the new. Amen.