Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourself with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.” (Colossians 3:9-10 NLT)
Paul uses the image of putting on new clothing to parallel our ever-changing transformation as we live a life renewed by Christ. The person He created us to be. If we look at the choices in our lives prior to receiving Christ as our Savior, they will look undeniably different than after.
Years ago, I spoke at the grand opening of a pregnancy center a few blocks away from my college campus. The person who was speaking at this event was not the person who had graduated 25 years earlier. I was completely changed physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This hadn’t happened overnight, yet it was a resounding difference that evidenced that God was transforming my life from the inside out. While I knew that “old self,” she was no longer part of me.
The transformation continues daily for those who have chosen to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We get to choose the “new” self to put on. Do we follow Jesus or meander down our own path? This new identity is not static. There is a continual process of growing into Christ’s likeness. The new self is others-focused as we pick up our cross and follow Jesus. This daily choice isn’t always easy. That old self can push to “be worn” by a simple choice in the day. Formation happens one decision at a time. In fact, it is a moment-by-moment choice to listen and live in this new nature. As we choose to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus, we want to spend time with Him and study the Scriptures. We begin to think differently.
I wrote “simple” in describing the choice to be made. It isn’t always simple and can often be more of a wrestling match as we struggle to choose Him. As the Spirit lives in each believer, this new self is transforming us MORE into the image of Christ. We have an active dependent part and are never left to do it alone.
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member