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Take Off Those Old Clothes

Take Off Those Old Clothes

By: Juliet Constantine

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:9-10


I just love to shop! I love to shop for clothes, shoes and household items. Have you ever savored the feeling of ‘dress-up’ new clothes on your body? Your eyes keep going to the mirror and down to your feet. With a smile on your lips, you feel like a million bucks! There is a surge in your self image and the added air of confidence seems to tilt your chin upwards. Having new clothes is great! But the opposite is true of old clothes. I just hate putting them on and longed for the day when they would make up the trash left on the side of the road. I oftentimes feel the same way about sinful habits-they are similar to wearing old clothes.

You see, evil practices, including all forms of lying to one another, have no place in the new life of God’s child. They do not help you in your upward journey to God’s kingdom. It does not compliment your new lifestyle. On the contrary, it degrades you and makes you the laugh of the town. Additionally, practices such as “sexual sin, doing anything immoral, letting sinful thoughts control you, wanting things that are wrong, anger, loosing your temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and saying shameful things” (Col.3:5-8) are classified as old clothes to the new born child of God.

So, why would I want to continue wearing old clothes when new ones have been provided? Cost isn’t a factor. Having someone pick up my tab while I shop for new clothes is such a thrilling thought. I’m ready when you are!! Similarly, it’s the same gift we have been handed by Jesus Christ. We have been given the power to put away our old covering, everything evil, and to wear Christ’s robe of righteousness. Can you imagine dressing in Jesus’ clothes? There will be a definite change. The things I once do, I do them no more. My new clothes now befit the person I’ve become. The change is evident. I am a new creation.

So, as you shop daily, be sure to take off those old clothes and place them in Heaven’s trash bin. Then wear, with great pride, confidence and honor, your new robe of Christ righteousness. Some may think that you will return to your old ways, like a pig to his wallow, but prove them wrong by employing the strength of Christ in all you do. Heaven is our goal. We need the right garment to enter. Why should you let old clothes keep you out?

Our Father in Heaven, we give You thanks for Your power to change lives and keep them on the upward way. Please strengthen us to ‘wear our new clothes’ so that Your image will be recreated in us and fit us for our heavenly home. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)

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