Renewed
Some people seem to really enjoy old things. Old black and white movies, old classic cars, old (or retro) video games. There is such a large following of these items that people spend thousands of dollars renewing classic cars, restoring movies, and re-releasing old video games onto new systems. Old things become renewed.
The Bible teaches that we are being renewed. Pauls says that we have two selves: an old self that loves the ways of the world and a new self that strives to be more like Jesus.
22 You took offyour former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. (Ephesians 4:22-23)
The old self used to get us into all kinds of trouble, but the new self is learning how to put away those old ways and do things according to God’s ways.
25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. (Ephesians 4:25-31)
Even though we strive to be more like Jesus, we will still mess up. Putting aside old things and renewing ourselves is a life-long process. But that doesn’t mean that we can excuse our bad behavior by saying, “The devil made me do it” or “I’m just human.” Part of growing stronger in heart, mind, body, and soul, is taking responsibility for our failures and weaknesses. Stop blaming others for our problems and learn from our failures so that next time we won’t make the same stupid move once again.
32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)
We need to understand that other Christians are also on the journey to become more like Jesus and they will make mistakes now and then. Sometimes those mistakes will hurt us. Instead of allowing their mistakes to drag us down or throw them to the wolves, we must be willing to love and forgive them. Too often the church becomes a battle ground where believers fight each other because someone allowed their old self to rear its ugly head and do something stupid. When we remember that God forgave us while we were living sinful lives, perhaps we can cut our fellow travelers some slack on their journey to become more like Christ. Be stronger. Forgive and love like God.
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