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
The New Year is always a good time to consider the ways that we would like to do things better going forward. Some of us make New Year’s resolutions, but they don’t have a good success rate! It is difficult to drop bad habits, and maybe more difficult to establish good habits. How’s that diet going? The human heart is even more difficult to change. While it is possible to discipline our outward behavior, it is impossible to change who we are on the inside.
It is impossible for us to change who we are in our own strength, but there is a way!
Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). When Jesus saves you, you are not just made better or given a second chance. In Jesus, we are spiritually reborn, remade, and given a new heart that pursues righteousness. We aren’t perfect, but we are being perfected.
In and through Jesus, you can “put off your old self.” By repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus you can “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Have your attempts at change only left you frustrated? Let Jesus do the work only He can do. Surrender your life to Him. Let Him be Lord of your life and direct what you do with your life. Immediately, some things will begin to change. Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus for salvation.
