Daily devotion – The New Wardrobe of the Christian Life
Ephesians 4:22–32
On Sunday, we learned from Paul that Christians are called to live and think differently from the world. We are to put off the old man and put on the new man—like taking off our old, sinful clothes and dressing ourselves in the new wardrobe of our life in Christ.
But this is not a one-time action! Every day, we must put off our old sinful ways and allow God to renew our minds.
Paul writes, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23).
How do we do this? By reading and studying God’s Word, praying for the Holy Spirit’s renewing work, and allowing Scripture to reshape our thinking and behaviour. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Paul then gets practical. We are to put away lying and speak the truth (v. 25), control our anger rather than give the devil a foothold (vv. 26–27), stop taking what is not ours and instead work so that we can give to those in need (v. 28). Our words must build others up and impart grace (v. 29), not grieve the Holy Spirit (v. 30).
We must also put away bitterness, wrath, malice and evil speaking, replacing them with kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness.
Our new life in Christ should produce a new way of living!
Paul gives us the perfect pattern to follow:
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Remember, a bitter heart treats people as Satan treats them, but a heart filled with Christ’s love treats others as God has treated us—with grace, mercy and forgiveness.
Today’s challenge: Ask the Lord to examine your spiritual wardrobe. Is there lying to put off, anger to surrender, bitterness to release, or unkind speech to change? Do not wait until tomorrow. Allow God to renew your mind and transform your life today.
Heavenly Father, renew my mind through Your Word. Help me put off my old sinful ways and put on the character of Christ. Guard my words, control my anger, remove bitterness from my heart, and teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. May my life bring glory to Jesus and never grieve Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.