4 Keys To Create a Spiritual Transformation
I don’t know about you, but I enjoy getting new clothes - even new-to-me clothes. It feels good to add something to my closet. Now, how many of you like to purge your closet of old clothes? I know some individuals who still have clothes from when they were in High School. I mean, if I had kept mine from those days, they would probably be in style again!
I have changed my style many times in the past 27 years, which I hope I would. In fact, my hair has changed even more times than I can count. I am not the same person I once was - and that is a good thing. I wouldn’t change my high school years for anything; they were some of the best years of my life. I had great friends, and I was in almost every activity possible. However, I’m not that silly 16-year-old girl anymore. I hope I am a better version of that girl and certainly more mature!
It’s essential to evolve and grow ourselves as individuals. It is even more important to grow and mature spiritually. We should always be striving to be more like the person God created us to be.
Paul addresses this in the gospels. Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God - truly righteous and holy” (NLT).
Paul is telling Christians that change is a good and needful thing. We are not supposed to act or look like our former selves. In fact, he uses the words “throw off.” Like you would take off old clothes and put on new ones. Maybe your “old self” served you well for a time, or maybe your life was falling apart. Either way, there are old ways of acting that need to change once you have made Jesus the Lord of your life.
Paul is straightforward about what we are to “throw off” in Colossians 3:8-14. I know this is a bit lengthy, but it is so important for us to hear.
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him...Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Listen, this might seem harsh, but if you still have a temper, are vindictive, and have a potty mouth, chances are you haven’t taken off your “old clothes” and put on your “new clothes.”
Friend, just because you go to church on Sunday doesn’t mean you walk a changed life Monday through Saturday. You have to spend time in the Word for yourself on a daily basis, making it personal to you. Then you must allow that Word to penetrate your heart and change some things.
If you have followed me for long, you know that I am big on applying the Bible to your life in a practical way - so here you go!
Here are 4 Practical Steps to Put on Your Spiritual Clothes:
Make a list of your bad habits or characteristics that would be identified as your “old clothes.” It can be things like the Bible said, “anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.” I also often use 1 Cor. 13:4-8 as a good check-up. It helps me to see if I have been patient and kind and so on.
Talk to God about your list (none of it is a secret to Him anyway). Ask Him to help you get rid of those things in your life. Then listen for what He might tell you to do. There may be some people that you shouldn’t hang around with anymore, or maybe it’s that you just need more sleep.
Speak God’s Word over yourself. Say things like, “I am patient and kind with others.” Or “Using foul language is out of my character.” Create a positive confession for everything you listed above that states the opposite about you. Then when you slip up, say, “I apologize. That is so unlike me!”
Spend time with Christians who will encourage you to wear your “new clothes.” Fashion is a funny thing - especially in middle and high school. Everyone wants to look like everyone else. If there is a new trend that everyone is wearing, it makes it desirable to wear it too. The same is true for spiritual clothing. The more you see it look good on others, you will want to look good in it too!
The truth is, I don’t dress the way I did when I was 16 because that style isn’t conducive to who I am as a 44-year old woman. I have responsibilities and a life that require different attire. The same is true for me spiritually. I hope that I don’t act and react like I once did. I want to continue to grow into the person that God created me to be and do what He has called me to do.
Part of that calling in my life is to help you become who God wants you to be. I want these words I am typing to be more than something read and forgotten. I pray that they are life-changing. I encourage you to message or email me if you would like additional support and prayer. It would be an honor to pray with you and encourage you to put on “your new clothes.”