A TALE OF TWO HOODIES

I've had this hoodie for around 8 years. It used to be navy blue but is pretty faded and a little tattered around the edges.  Me and hoodie have seen some pretty great times together.  This hoodie is so comfortable, even in 200 degree weather, and I LOVE IT!!! There’s one problem, my wife doesn’t want to be seen with me in public with old hoodie. I know, can you believe that?! “Why?” you may ask. Well, old hoodie has stains on it, it is also tattered and a little torn. Old hoodie, is…old. The fact of the matter is, I really needed to change to a new hoodie. I try not to say that in front of old hoodie too much. So, I went out and bought a new hoodie. It is currently hanging in my closet...nice and new. A lot more presentable than old hoodie and a little bit trendier. But not too trendy because I bought it at Wal Mart. Here’s the problem with new hoodie. I really like old hoodie. He’s comfortable, and people have seen me in old hoodie. I’m not sure how new hoodie is going to turn out for me. Not sure how people will react to new hoodie.

OLD ME VS NEW ME
When we become Christians, our lives are kinda like these hoodies. You see, we like the old us and really don’t feel like changing into the new us. The old us is predictable, comfortable and people know me that way. The Bible calls the old me, the old nature or man. The new one? The new man or creation/creature.  Our new life in Christ should be characterized by the change in us.  We are in the process of giving up more of ourselves and becoming more like Jesus.

LAY ASIDE, RENEW, PUT ON
This process of change or transformation is outlined in Ephesians 4:22-24 via Paul by the Holy Spirit.  He says things like we need to "lay aside" the old us, be "renewed" and to "put on" Christ.  Those words "Lay aside" and "put on" carry with them the connotation of taking off and putting on a garment.  The things that our heart desires before and after Christ should be different but the old us, isn't that easy to shake.  Our in dwelling sin still craves our old way of life and sometimes derails us from God's plan.  That's why this whole process is so important.  The more we take off, the old us and our old ways, the  more free we become to worship Jesus!  That's the renew part.  We shake ourselves of the old entanglements (Hebrews 12:1) and that rids us of the distraction of worshipping something different.  When we lay aside those things we are free to gaze upon the beauty that is Christ!

What is it in your life that is distracting you from seeing Christ's uniqueness?  His beauty?  Think of one thing that stand between you and a more fruitful life in Jesus this week and lay it aside so that God can do the work of renewing your heart.  Then begin to put on Christ's righteousness and His deeds to make the transformation complete.  I'll be praying for you.