Introduction
We all know what it’s like to change clothes—to take off something worn and put on something fresh. But what if that simple act held spiritual significance? In Ephesians 4, Paul uses this imagery to describe the transformation that takes place when we follow Christ. It’s not just about behavior—it’s about identity. It’s about letting go of the old self and embracing the new one, created in the likeness of God. This article explores what it means to make that shift, and why it’s essential for living a life fit for eternity.
The Clothing Analogy: More Than Metaphor
“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
This isn’t just about moral improvement. It’s about a complete reorientation of how we see ourselves, our purpose, and our future.
Think of someone putting on a uniform—a police officer, a
soldier, a baseball player. That uniform isn’t just fabric; it represents a
mindset, a mission, a role. When a soldier puts on their gear, they’re mentally
preparing for discipline, duty, and sacrifice. When a ballplayer suits up,
they’re stepping into focus, teamwork, and performance. The clothing signals a
shift in identity and intention.
In the same way, putting on the “new self” means embracing
the mindset of Christ. It’s stepping into holiness, truth, and eternal purpose.
It’s not just about looking different—it’s about living differently.
The old self is corrupted by desires that deceive us into thinking that "this is what life is
all about". But the new self is shaped by truth—by holiness, by eternity, by
the likeness of God.
Forgetting What Is Behind
Paul echoes this mindset shift in Philippians 3:13–14:
“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining
toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”
This is a deliberate act. Forgetting doesn’t mean erasing our memory—it means refusing to let the past define us. Whether it’s shame, pride, failure, or success, the old self must be left behind. We cannot wear the garments of the past and expect to walk freely into the future God has prepared. Because the Christian is not shaped by his past, but by his future.
Straining Toward What Is Ahead
Putting on the new self is not passive. It requires daily
renewal, intentional pursuit, and spiritual discipline. It’s a mindset that
says:
- I
am not who I once was.
- I
am being made new.
- I
am called to live for something greater than this moment.
This is the “high calling of God in Christ”—a life not
shaped by temporary pleasures but by eternal purpose.
A Life Fit for Eternity
To live for what is fleeting is to miss the bigger picture.
The new self is not just better—it’s eternal. It’s the version of you that
reflects God’s holiness, that walks in truth, and that is prepared for the life
beyond this one.
So today, let us take off the garments of the old self. Let us be renewed in the spirit of our minds. And let us put on the new self—created to live in the fullness of God’s truth, righteousness, and holiness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank You for calling us out of our old ways
and into new life. Help us to recognize the deceitfulness of temporary desires
and to embrace the eternal purpose You’ve given us. Renew our minds daily.
Teach us to forget what is behind and press forward with hope, courage, and
holiness. May we walk in Your truth and reflect Your likeness in all we do. In Jesus' Name...Amen.
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