Scripture Focus:
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
— Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV)
Reflection
Before you can put on something new, you first have to take off the old. Imagine wearing a filthy, torn coat. You wouldn’t just throw a clean jacket over it. You would strip off the old one first.
The Bible calls that old, rotting coat your “old self” (or “old man”)—the person you were before Christ. That old self is defined by deceitful desires, sinful habits, and a mind trained to live apart from God. But here’s the good news: in Christ, that old self has been crucified with Him (Romans 6:6). It no longer has to control you.
Yet many believers try to add Jesus to their old life. They want the new self without actually putting off the old. That doesn’t work. You cannot cling to bitterness, lust, lying, or selfishness while also walking in the Spirit. God calls you to a decisive break.
Putting off the old man is not self-improvement—it’s death and resurrection. It’s saying no to who you used to be so you can fully become who God says you are.
Today’s Application
Take an honest inventory today:
- Identify one “old garment” you’re still wearing.
Is it a grudge? A secret habit? A pattern of complaining? A way of talking that dishonors God? Name it specifically. - Actively take it off.
Confess it to God. If it involves someone else, consider making it right. Delete the app that leads you to sin. Speak truth where you once lied. - Put on the new self in its place.
For every old pattern, choose a new one. Instead of anger, choose forgiveness. Instead of lust, choose purity. Instead of worry, choose trust.
Prayer
Father, I thank You that in Christ, my old self has been crucified. I don’t have to live in its grip anymore. Today, I choose to put off the old man—the deceitful desires, the former way of life, the sinful habits I’ve carried too long. Holy Spirit, show me what I’m still holding onto that doesn’t belong in my new life. Give me the courage to strip it off and never pick it up again. And help me to put on the new self, created in true righteousness and holiness, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
— Colossians 3:9–10
