old self Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

Put On the New Self?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know it is important to put on the new self. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Christians who accept Jesus at a very young age are fortunate. Some grow up following Jesus and never fall away. For others there is a distinction between the way a person acts before accepting Christ and how they act after their conversion. In some cases the change can be dramatic.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV) writes about life before and after accepting Christ.

“But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Don’t belabor the past. Concentrate on renewal, putting on the new self, and becoming more Christ-like. Your story can draw others to God, so share about how developing a personal relationship with Christ has transformed your life.

Tell me what you think below.

Do You Hear God’s Call?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are called by God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I occasionally listen to The Christy Wright Show podcasts. She is affiliated with Dave Ramsey, a radio personality known for his book, The Total Money Makeover.

Christy was recently sharing ideas about the two types of calling: She said there are those who are called to work in a particular profession. Then there are those who are called by God to live through a particular season of life. Although both can be God’s call, the latter can take on great significance for believers.

Apostle Paul writing in Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) says,
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

These verses provide guidance for walking through work and also the various seasons of life. To be humble, gentle, patient, loving, and having a spirit of unity in the bond of peace can immediately change one’s perspective. Instead of living a life of drudgery at work or just getting by during a difficult season of life, God can walk along side of you on your journey.

Take on the attributes listed in Ephesians 4, so you can best be used by God.

Let me know what you think in the comments below.