Last Christmas, I opened some trendy, yellow shoes from my sister-in-law. I was giddy with glee as I held a mini fashion show for the family in my parents’ living room. In examining them more closely, I noticed some scuffs around the side and asked if they were new. (My sister-in-law and I have an agreement that we can gift used items to each other for Christmas.) She said they were in fact “new to me” but not brand-new. I hate to admit it, but my excitement dwindled inside when I heard her response. Used, old or leftover somehow doesn’t have the same ring as new.
We serve a God of the new. He chose to make us a completely new creation by sending His Son to die for all our old — old ways, old flesh, old present and future sins. But sometimes those of us in Christ forget our new identity in Christ, and we revert back to the sinful, fleshly old self. It is like our God offers us a brand-new outfit to wear, but, for some reason, we search through our closet and choose to wear a used, old, worn-out one instead. The “old outfit” can feel comfortable and/or easier, but it is based on Satan’s lies that threaten our true identity in Christ: “You are not good enough, smart enough, worthy enough or gifted enough.”
We need to be reminded of the everyday “new outfit” option God extends to us that transforms our mind, attitude, actions, decisions and words. When we take off the “old, used outfit” and put on the “new outfit,” it is obvious to ourselves and others there has been a change. I am new in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“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).
Jillian Willis of Newberg, Oregon, is a worship arts pastor and the author of “Sing Over Me: A Women’s Devotional through the Psalms” (fmchr.ch/jwillis) and a blogger at standingonpeace.com.
DISCUSSION:
[1] What attitude, addiction, perspective, lie or sin has you choosing to live life wearing the “old outfit” rather than the “new outfit” God is offering? [2] In what specific ways can others see your new identity in Christ?
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