Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
I love superhero movies! I particularly love the ones where the hero lives a dual life, like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. Once they put their superhero suit on, everything changes! When they change clothes, they assume a completely new identity. With their new identities come new responsibilities. In the real world, we see this in firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and even astronauts. When the uniform/suit is on, their responsibilities are different. Their “new” identities fuel their activities.
In Ephesians 4, Paul compares our spiritual transformation to changing clothes. But, unlike superheroes, firemen, and astronauts, we are not supposed to bounce back and forth between identities. Ephesians 4:22 says we are to “put off our old self” and “put on our new self.” I’m reminded of Jesus talking to Lazarus in John 11:44. He tells the once-dead, now alive Lazarus to “take off the grave clothes.” It's as if Jesus were saying, “Hey Lazarus, you’re no longer dead, so don’t dress like it!” That’s exactly what Paul is telling us in our reading today. You have been given a new spiritual identity, and with that comes new responsibilities. We take off the old (grave clothes) and put on the new.
Here’s the catch: even though our spiritual nature and eternal destination are changed the moment we place our faith in Christ, it takes our minds (and actions) a minute to catch up. In fact, it is an ongoing, daily, lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. As Christ renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:9-10), our actions slowly begin to follow suit.
So, what does it look like to “put off” and “put on"? Paul gives us some practical examples of how Christ continues to renew us:
We “put off” lying to “put on” telling the truth. (Ephesians 4:25)
We “put off” unrighteous anger to “put on” righteous anger. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
We “put off” stealing to “put on” working and giving. (Ephesians 4:28)
We “put off” corrupt talk to “put on” edifying talk. (Ephesians 4:29-30)
We “put off” bitterness and rage to “put on” kindness and forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:21-32)
As you move through your day today, be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Pay attention to the “old” thoughts and actions you may still need to put off.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.