Ephesians 4:22-24
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.
Scripture Insights
“If I get what I want, then I will be happy.” This is the lie of our culture. Marketing algorithms dangle promises of satisfaction. Our fears, shame, and selfish appetites are manipulated to drag us into aimless dead ends, churning through money and relationships. Paul writes that this is the way of the “old self.” As disciples of Christ, we were created for more than self-seeking happiness; we were made to be holy.
God welcomes us to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self. While this may sound like a daily habit of changing our clothes, this is far from a superficial exchange. We are not invited to behavioral modification classes or to just try harder. We are welcomed into daily discipleship with God that transforms our minds—our motivations, attitudes, and identities. This new and holy self does not remove our selfhood; it restores our original created self. We are created in God’s image as children of God. Holiness is not a burden; it is a birthright!
Today’s Prayer
Lord, we are unable to transform ourselves by ourselves. Come today and make us new in the attitudes of our minds. Make us more like you in true righteousness and holiness.
—David
Mowry CotN District Superintendent,
Northwest
Coordinator, Nazarene Discipleship International, USA/Canada Region
