Articles
The New Self
[P]ut on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Eph. 4:24)
Change is difficult. Especially when there is disharmony amongst the individuals involved in that change. Just look at the most recent or upcoming policy changes in our country. Now multiply that by infinity and you have the difficulty of changing oneself.
We become so accustomed to how we live our life that if anyone makes a suggestion for improvement, we are quick to our defensive positions. The chest puffs out, we become beat red, bravado ensues, and we flap our wings until that person knows that we intend not to change.
Consider this though. From a person’s first introduction to the gospel, change is the foundational pillar to becoming conformed to the image of Christ. That is the way in which we learn Christ (vv. 20-22). We have to lay aside our old selves because they are imperfect, blemished, and broken. Christianity demands beneficial change at every moment! Of course, this change must be for the better (cf. the new self). Let’s take a lesson from our countrymen’s failures and learn to effectively change ourselves for the better.
