A New You

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

Thousands around the world take off their protective winter clothes to put on swimsuits and plunge into bodies of freezing cold water on New Year’s Day. Collectively, they are known as the Polar Bear Club.

A group of 30 mountaineers take off their normal attire to put on heavy outerwear and sport backpacks stuffed with fireworks. They scale 14,000 ft. Pikes Peak in Colorado to ignite a bright light show at midnight on December 31st. Snow, ice, and wind chills of -50 degrees are endured. This is the AdAmAn Club since 1922.

These are a couple of extreme events that have evolved over the years into New Year’s Day traditions—some for sheer sport and some for charity fundraising.

In contrast to these outward behaviors, the New Testament encourages Christ followers to put off the old self and put on the new self, an inner practice. It’s to be continuous—not a once-a-year event. Let’s:

Put off unforgiveness and bitterness. Put on forgiveness and tenderheartedness.

Put off the desire to isolate. Put on the desire to move towards others in love.

Put off gossip. Put on a heart that covers a multitude of sins.

Put off our expectations and demands of others to meet our needs. Put on patience, meekness, and humility in order to serve others.

Putting on the new self sheds burdens and frees our spirits. Let’s practice!

Lord, Jesus, I thank You that my sin nature was crucified with You on the cross. Sin no longer has power over me. I’m free to choose to put on my new self and live victoriously according to my new identity in You.

Karen Sims