In Ephesians 4: 21-24, Paul writes, “For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. 22You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

When you go to the store, if you have a choice of buying the old Tide or the new and improved Tide, you are always going to pick the new one. When you buy milk and there is a choice between milk with an expiration date of 1/5 or one with an expiration date of 1/15, you are always going to choose the carton that is newer.

As we begin a New Year, these words from Paul give us some very wise advice. You can choose the old way where power, money, fame, and pleasure are the main focuses of your life. You can choose the old way; the way of bitterness, frustration, anger, and resentment, or you can leave the old way behind and pick a new way.

Paul says, “be renewed in the spirit.” That means have a plan to get in touch with God and the new life he offers in Christ. Be purposeful and set aside time each day to spend in prayer and devotion. Attend worship every week on Sunday or Wednesday. Look for ways to serve here at Immanuel, and then volunteer your time. The only way you can be renewed in the spirit is to be intentional in worship, prayer, devotion, and service. It just doesn’t happen, you have to work at it.

Paul then states, “clothe yourselves with a new self.” In Ephesians 6, Paul declares, “put on the whole armor of God.” He is telling us to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Word of God.

Finally, Paul says, “be created in the likeness of God.” In Genesis 1: 26, we are told that we are created in the image of God. That means to be loving, kind, caring, gentle, faithful, honest, giving, and compassionate.

Follow these words from God, given to us through Paul, and you will have a New Year.

Veritas - Curt