Put On The New Self
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Is there an area of your life you find yourself ashamed of? Perhaps a sin you struggle with or one that used to define you? Maybe it’s underage drinking, excessive drinking, pride, anger, sexual immorality, disrespecting your parents, the list of possibilities is endless. No matter the scope of this sin, the scripture commands us to put to death whatever is earthly within us. We have this high calling to look at ourselves and address the sin within us, the ways in which we frequently indulge in fleshly desires. These desires are not honoring our Maker, and not helpful in sanctification. I have always struggled to sit and think deeply about events in my life or practices I engage in. Until it comes back to bite me, it seems easier to move past the sin and poor choices without real reflection and thoughtful plans to “put them to death”. Colossians 3 tells us the wrath of God is coming on account of these ways.
Well, that is scary. We all give into the ways of the flesh every single day. Because of the fall, our natural inclination is not toward righteousness, but toward sinful desires. So what now? The rest of this chapter tells us it is not a matter of just dealing with our old ways, but putting on new ways. Think about a woman getting married. Generally speaking, when a woman gets married she takes on the last name of her new husband in place of her last name. For so long her last name has been a part of her identity but now she is joined together and has become one with her husband, now identifying as a new family. This new last name signifies a change, a different identity, and a new belonging. In the same way, as chosen heirs, we are not just told to put to death our old ways, but being forgiven and welcomed by the Father into His family, we can put on new ways and be renewed after the image of God by doing so.
Colossians is great about practically telling us practices we ought to avoid, and practices we ought to strive towards. Take off sexual impurity, evil desire, covetousness, idolatry, anger, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. Put on compassionate hearts, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, bearing with one another, love, peace, thankfulness, and let the word of Christ dwell richly within you! What would your life look like if you truly sought each of these qualities? This is just a short list of ways we can work to live like Christ, but a wonderful and challenging place to start. I can think of ways I fail at pretty much each of these every single day, but the great news is we are expected to fail. There is only one perfect being and I promise it’s not you or I. We are not expected to hear Colossians 3 and then never fall into earthly practices and always exhibit Christ-like qualities. There is power in our weaknesses, power in our failings. Our shortcomings point to our humanity and Christ’s sacrifice. When we start to find ourselves identifying with our old selves, remember that He is faithful to forgive and eager to draw us near.
So if you find yourself drawing back on your covetous ways, dwelling in anger, put on new ways. Put on selflessness, gratitude, and love. Pray that you would truly desire to be renewed in Christ. Pray that you would continually be convicted of your sin so that you may recognize the constant need to be sharpened since the fall. Remember that you are a part of a chosen family, an heir to the eternal Kingdom. Your sin does not define you because you have been washed by the blood and grace is abounding.
“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2