Radical Change

I think Christians get a little confused when they read passages like:

 Ephesians 4:21-24, "when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 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."

Actually, I don't think they are confused, I think they (my self included) read it and then just keep on going without giving it any thought. So let's give it some thought.

I don't think people understand that putting off the old self doesn't just mean stop doing a few terrible things that are obviously wrong, but it means to put off everything that has to do with your old life, the desires of your heart and the thoughts of your mind and to put on a new self striving to become like Christ.

It has to be a whole new mindset. It has to be a whole new desire. It obviously doesn't happen over night but it should be happening. 

We should be clearly differentiated from unbelievers. In the way we speak, in the way we dress, in how we choose to use our time, in what we value, in the way we treat others, and in the way we view the world.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when proclaiming Christian artists (singers, actors, athletes..) say they are Christians but instead of using their fame as an awesome opportunity for sharing their testimony and showing how Christ has changed them, they blend in. 

We are called to be different, not just different but radically different. The desires of this world should have no hold on us, they are deceitful and they are corrupt.

We are called to a new self, one that is, "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."