After coming back from Promise Keepers “All-in” conference this past weekend, it has me reflecting. Ephesians 4:17-32 teaches us to live a new life in Christ, putting behind the old person we were. To look different, to act different and generally to just BE different. Verses 22-24, give a real challenge to us all.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
I personally am stricken by this statement. Putting off the old and being MADE new. This is not buffing a few things out. This is not putting a patch over the knee in your jeans. This is throwing out the old jacket and clothing yourself with a brand new one.
This all leads me to ponder what has changed in ME? Am I an old patched up me or the “brand-new self, created to be like God”?
Challenge time, ask yourself what has changed,
· What activities
· What attitudes
· What habits
· What emotions
· What friendships
Then ask this – What NEEDS to change?
Do you have the boldness to honestly pray Psalms 139:23-24?
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Search me oh God, refine me Lord, change me Father, and then lead me in the way everlasting!