Day 38 – Putting on the New Self
Colossians 3:1-17
To follow Christ in today’s world means that we must turn
our hearts away from the things of this world and pursue Jesus above and beyond
anything else. Today’s reading tells us
to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (3:2) as a
reminder that the battle of temptation is won or lost in the mind.
As you go about each day, are you focusing
your mind on God and His Kingdom, or do the things of this world seems to catch
your eye—or more harmfully, catch your heart?
Whenever we keep our mind on earthly things, we are easily pulled into
behavior and activities that lead to sin.
Be careful of what thoughts you entertain in your mind. Guard your thoughts as carefully as a sentry
watching over a priceless treasure.
Focus on the grace, goodness, and blessings of Christ, because He alone
“is our life” (2:4).
Did you notice also in today’s reading how we are told to
put off some things and put on other things?
As we follow Christ, we must put off things such as anger, wrath,
malice, filthy language, etc., because they do not represent Christ
(3:8-10). Instead, we are to put on
mercy, kindness, love, etc., since these things characterize our life in Christ. But have you discovered that this
putting-off-putting-on scenario must happen every day? It would be simple if we could just flip a
switch that puts off these things of the world once for all, but I’ve
discovered that it is something that I must do every day. Have you chosen today to put off worldly
things and to put on godly things? Are
you willing to make that choice each day?