Like most household, every once in a while my wife and I must donate or throw away clothing that doesn’t fit us anymore. Some may have looked good on us for a time, but we’ve grown out of them (whether in style or size, or a bit of both!). When Paul describes our life in Christ, he uses a similar image: our old way of life just doesn’t fit our new life in Christ.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3:1-2)
Christianity is not merely a tick in the religion box or a flurry of church-related activities. It is a total renovation of taking off what belongs to our old self (anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, lying, etc see 3:8-9) and putting on the new wardrobe of Christlikeness: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience , bearing with and forgiving one another, love, peace, etc. (3:12-14). And best of all? This wardrobe will never go out of style or size!
Being followers of Jesus means living out who we already are in Christ. We no longer represent our old identities, but our new grace-filled identity in Christ. The gospel doesn’t just change our beliefs, but also transforms our behaviour: how we respond, for example in tense family or work situations, when we are under pressure or when we feel misunderstood.
Becoming like Christ is reminding ourselves throughout the day that we are wearing new clothes: Christ Himself.
Relfection:
- How can I put on Jesus’s character in my next interaction today?
- What “old self” attitude or behaviour that God is inviting me to put off this week?
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
Drawn to the Gospel 
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