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.”
The truth is that my former way of life is and has always been corrupted by deceitful desires. Like any desires, they seem attractive and good and worth pursuing. But they are lies, distracting from what is true about God, about life, and about what gives meaning to work and relationships. Yet there is great hope here – I can shed my old self and become entirely new! My attitude and ways of thinking can be transformed. And I can even live in a way that pleases God, a life characterized by righteousness and holiness. This is an amazingly hopeful message.
Father, at one time I was darkness, but now I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8). It is because of salvation through your Son that I have been set free. Today, by your power, I put off the old self and put on the new. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and tune my heart to hear your voice and obey.