Strip Away The Old

“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.” 
Ephesians 4:22-24

Our church was making some changes, simple updates to some areas and major renovations in others. As work began to get underway the thought occurred to me that in order to make these areas of our church new, there was much old that needed to be stripped away. Our pre-school stripped away bulletin boards and hallway decorations so they could give the walls a totally new look. Bathrooms being renovated needed to be completely stripped bare so that new floors, paint, sinks, toilets and accessories could be installed. Even our sanctuary was being stripped of things that no longer functioned so they could be replaced place by new things.     

Sometimes our lives as believers need to be renovated too and that means there will be stuff that needs to be stripped away. In this week’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers he is reminding them of the need to strip away their old selves so they can put on their new selves. New selves that reflect the image of God.   

That stripping away process will look different for all of us. Some who happen upon this bit of encouragement may have big things that need to be stripped off – so maybe that will mean seeking the help you need to overcome an addiction of some sort or to get a handle on a mental health battle you’ve been dealing with. Others of us may need to do some deep self-reflection so that we can strip off a negative attitude, pride, perfectionism, being judgmental and the list could go on, you get the idea – you probably know already what you really should strip off so that you can put on the new stuff Jesus has for you.   

If you have been reading me for any length of time you’ll know that I speak plainly and try not to sugar coat stuff. This whole stripping stuff away process will be hard and even painful at times. See we get comfortable with our old selves - not unlike how we might feel about a favorite old sweater or t-shirt or jeans – you know the ones that are all stretched out in the right places. I used to have a chambray shirt that I just loved – it was the perfect shade of blue, the longer I had it the softer it got. When a tear started at one of the shoulder seams, I cut the sleeves off so I could keep wearing it. I guess I need to confess I still miss that shirt, but there came a time when it had to go in the bin. So it goes with the stuff in our lives that keep us from being all God intends for us to be.

Just know that as you decide to strip away the old, you are not alone. I’ll be praying for you – even if I don’t know you. There will be people around you to help and you can probably help them – because we all have stuff that needs to go. Best of all Jesus through His Holy Spirit will be there to give you the strength and power you need to get the job done. He’ll be there bringing comfort when you think it is just too hard or too painful or when you are tempted to slip that bit of comfortable old you back on.

The new you will be so incredible you’ll wonder why it took so long to strip away the old.

A Prayer
Father – Thank you for the words of your servant Paul reminding us that we have been called to strip away our old selves so we can put on the new selves You are calling us to be. Be with us as we work to strip way the stuff that is getting in the of us being who You intend for us to be. Be our strength and comfort in those times when life renovation seems more than we can bear and send others to travel with us so we are not alone ever. Help us to travel with other who need our encouragement and help. In the name of Jesus, the renovator of our lives – Amen.