Change Your Clothes – August 9, 2019

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.
Ephesians 4:22-24

Change Your Clothes

I’ve never liked changing my clothes. Ever since I was a boy, changing clothes seemed like such a bother. I was too busy to change my clothes. I had places to go and things to do. My mother thought differently. When my brothers and I would come home after a long summer day of playing in the dirt and mud, our mom would tell us in no uncertain terms, “Change out of those filthy clothes before you come into this house!” She would not have her well-kept house fouled by our filthy clothes.

Spiritually speaking, we are all filthy. We were born with a self-serving, self-seeking, sinful attitude. That sinful attitude has shown itself in what we have said and done against other people and against the God who made us. There is no way God will allow anyone into his holy home called heaven unless they are spiritually clean. Fortunately, that is precisely what Jesus did for us. He lived a sinless life. Through faith in Jesus, we are robed with his righteousness. In God’s eyes, we are cleaned up and he promises us entrance into his home of heaven.

While we are living here, though, we are still stained with sin. We are constantly changing our spiritual clothes—that is taking off our old sinful self and putting on the new self, Jesus has created us to be. It is not easy. You will not always feel like changing. But, keep doing it! Toss aside your old sinful self like a pair of dirty jeans. In its place put on the new self—the holy self, Jesus has made you to be.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for earning a new set of spiritual clothes for me. Empower me to throw off my sinful self today to put on your holiness in its place. Amen.