Because there is an essential difference between the believer and their old life, we need to implement the “Put Off”/”Put On” principle that is outlined in Ephesians 4:22-24. Christians grow by stopping what is wrong (either in their heart or behavior) and REPLACING sinful approaches with ones that please the Lord. The beauty is that this happens both positionally and practically the moment we trust Christ. In the account books of heaven, we laid aside the old self (Ephesians 4:22), and the new self was placed upon us (Ephesians 4:24). Practically speaking, now we must put of what is wrong behavior, and replace it with what is right as outlined in the Word of God. In the power of Christ, God’s people stop doing what is wrong and start doing what is right. This process is accomplished through the renewing of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). As we live the Christian life, the principles and precepts of the Word of God are written on our hearts, and change will take place. There is an element of the will that is connected to the transformation that comes with Christ, so that our motivation for change is not to gain merit for our “good behavior” but rather out of gratitude for our redemption and position in Christ. Our desire is to represent our new relationship as a member of the Family of God that spurs that transformation. We “put off” and “put on” because of the natural process of renewing our minds which comes as a result of our growing in faith through the reading of God’s Word. Are you a follower of Christ. Look at your life and ask the question, what choices do you see naturally occurring because of your relationship with Christ. Some change may be radical, while other change will be incremental, but you will see change none the less. Remember Dead people don’t change, dead people may stink and decay, but they will never change. Only those who are alive will grow and change!
