WE HAVE A NEW SELF
“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.”
It sounds simple, doesn’t it? “you, lay aside the old self.” The problem? If we could, we wouldn’t need a Savior. We would obey the Ten Commandments and all would be well. So why is a command given to lay aside our old self if we can’t do it? The answer isn’t simple, but it’s critical for us to understand. The command is given so we know what we are to do. Our stinky old self needs to be laid aside from our lives. But, here’s the point: we can’t do it in our own strength and with our old mindset. Therefore, we have to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. We have to learn Christ’s ways. Then, we have to call out to Christ to fill us with His Spirit. (put on the new self) Only then are we empowered to lay aside our old self (nature) and live in the likeness of God.
Heavenly Father, we know what to do; yet so often fail. Help us be renewed in the spirit of our minds and walk in the new self; Your likeness, righteousness, and holiness of truth.