Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Scripture: Colossians 3:5–11 (NIV)

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Reflection

In this powerful passage, Paul calls believers to a radical transformation. Because we are raised with Christ, we are to "put to death" the sinful patterns of our old life—those earthly desires and behaviors that separate us from God. It's not just avoiding sin; it's actively crucifying it.

Yet the good news is that this isn't merely subtraction. We don't just remove the old—we clothe ourselves with the new. We put on a new self, renewed day by day to reflect the image of our Creator. And in this new life, all human divisions fade away: Christ unites us all.

As we abide daily in Christ, we are changed and transformed. As we grow in Christ, our old nature dies, and the new nature of Jesus Christ develops within us. This is not something we can do by our own power or strength. As the Spirit of God fills our lives and leads us each day, the gifts of the Spirit are manifested, and the fruit of the Spirit is produced.

Today, ask yourself: What "old self" habits am I still holding onto? Anger? Impure thoughts? Division in my heart toward others? Bring them to the cross and let Christ renew you.

In Christ, we form one family—diverse yet united. Let this truth influence how you perceive and interact with others today. As we deepen our relationship with Christ, we come to see our brothers and sisters through God's eyes. While the world often divides along different lines, followers of Jesus Christ are called to walk in unity. With Jesus as our foundation and cornerstone, we are being built into a beautiful house that glorifies and magnifies Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the new life I have in Christ. Help me to put to death the remnants of my old nature and to fully embrace the new self You are forming in me. Renew my mind and heart to reflect Your image more each day. Break down any walls of division in my life, and let me see others as You see them—united in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Walk today in the light of your new identity. Christ is all, and He is in all.