Joel M Bradshaw

9…seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.–Colossians 3

As I journey with people who desire to change, I most always lead them through these verses. I have them ponder their old self, their former self before they trusted in Jesus. This would represent the attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions that they turned away from in turning to Jesus. This would be the self that has been ‘crucified with Christ and no longer lives’ (Galatians 2:20). The fruits of repentance are at work in daily putting off this old self. 

The new self is actually a renewed self. God is at work and making you more like Jesus. Your everyday intentionality is to take off the old you and put on the new you in Christ. Take off the old shirt and put on the new. As you get dressed everyday picture that attitude change. God is at work in you and through you. You intentionally repent of your former way of life and trust God with your day. You are to be intentional. This is the greatest intentionality. When you see the old you creep back up again, take him off. Replace that old nasty shirt with your beautiful new one. Do this every day. I know I have to. My greatest hypocrisies come from seasons where I lack this intentionality.–JMB