And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-23
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:9-11Today’s scriptures could stand alone, but I have a few thoughts to address here. God gave us new life in Christ. He cleansed us at that instant from our past deeds and hurts. But we do not understand that, so we retrieve things that God has removed from us as if it were one of those sticky-toys the kids play with. They throw it at a wall and pull it back off. The sticky-toy gets all nasty looking, full of fuzz and dirt and who knows what else. Each time they throw it against the wall it comes back in worse condition. So why bother taking it back? They are enjoying the grossness of it all!
So, why would you want to put on that old man again after Christ removed it from you? Why worry about the things you used to worry about? Why concern yourself with the cares of this world? Why let things that concerned you as a child influence your walk with Christ today? Let it go. Let go of the old man; let go of the old garments; toss the sticky-toy in the trash!
Build upon what He has given you. Christ gave you new life; build upon it with new things. Create a new you - Extreme Makeover, God Edition! God wants to work in your life as never before. He wants to direct your path. He wants to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit in you.
Do you know what is really cool? He wants to do it today. He wants to draw you into His presence that He can show you great and mighty things you did not know. He wants to allow you to glean from His Word today. He wants you to know Him. He already knows you better than you know yourself. All He asks is that you seek Him and allow Him to change you.
Let go of the sticky-toy. The offence that was stuffed in your face yesterday is gone. Start with a clean heart today.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10Forget the diet you goofed on over the weekend. Forget that the laundry is not finished. You can get back on the path today, right now. Let’s do it! Let’s throw off the things that hinder us today and focus on God and doing His will, doing what is right in the sight of God, not man. Let’s make this day a good day, a new beginning. After all, it is true what they say, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life!"
Dear heavenly Father, help us to put that new man on today and leave the tattered garments in your care, that you may remove them as far as the east is from the west. You know best what to do with them, Lord. Help us to continue in Your Word and renew our minds daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Suggested readings: Psalm 51:1-19; Colossians 3:1-25; Ephesians 4:1-32; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 40:1-17.