New Clothes, New Life

I just purchased a new pair of jeans and was surprised again by how dark blue they are compared to the old ones I've shredded in the last few years. New clothes always feel unfamiliar and a little awkward, but at the same time warm and special -- almost like a
new person. That's the same exact feeling the Bible tells us about our new life in Jesus Christ.  Paul writes:  "Clothe yourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." So there's something about that imagery that might help us understand life in Christ.

Because of Jesus, we are given a whole new life, not just another attempt at life. We get to "put on Christ" like putting on clothing. It's a conscious thing -- focusing on his presence -- and it's a submission thing -- letting him have his way instead of hanging on to our own.

I don't have a formula or magic button for that, I just know it's true. But if you find yourself feeling like you're back in your old life, try remembering the clothing idea -- putting on Christ like new jeans -- and see if he helps you feel all new again. And let's talk about how it works next time we see each other.