So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. Ephesians 4:22–24 (GNT)
There’s a crucial part of the Christian life that, in my experience, 90% of believers have never fully experienced. Neglecting this process leaves them frustrated, spiritually immature and stuck in patterns they can't seem to change.
What is it? They've never gone through the process of putting off their old selves and putting on their new identity in Christ.
“But Leon,” you might say, “it’s not that simple!” The thing is, in Christ you are already a new creation. Now it’s a matter of bringing your heart and mind into agreement with the truth.
As this new creation, you possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). This means you hold His thoughts, feelings, purposes and desires—and you have the power to throw off the things Jesus would never do, say, think or feel!
As you work this process, Holy Spirit works in you. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith, and Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete His good work in you.
I encourage you to take time every day to step away from the busyness of life and spend time in the Word, meditating on who God says you are. With His help, you can put off the old you and put on the recreated you!
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