Our living God Pt 11: Put on the new self

Ephesians 4:17-24                 17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.  18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.  20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Darkened in their understanding

These verses paint a vivid contrast between the life of those who live apart from God and the life of those who follow Christ.  Paul emphasizes that believers must no longer live as the Gentiles do, describing them as being "darkened in their understanding."  This phrase is not merely about a lack of knowledge but a fundamental spiritual blindness that prevents people from seeing the truth of God’s ways.

To be "darkened in understanding" is to be separated from the light of God's truth.  Just as physical darkness obscures vision, spiritual darkness clouds judgment and moral discernment.  People who are spiritually blind make decisions based on worldly wisdom rather than divine truth.  They may chase wealth, power, or pleasure, believing these things will bring fulfillment, but they remain empty inside.  The absence of God in their hearts leads to confusion, moral decay, and misguided priorities.

Paul’s warning to the Ephesians is relevant today.  Many people live without considering God’s guidance, relying solely on human reasoning.  The media, culture, and societal norms often promote values contrary to God’s will, leading people deeper into spiritual blindness.  Without God’s light, they stumble through life, unaware of their true purpose, following a negative feedback loop.   As Christians, we are called to reject this way of thinking and seek God’s wisdom instead.

Hardened in their hearts

But this spiritual darkness is even more pernicious because it leads to a hardened heart.  A hardened heart is not just stubborn; it is resistant to God’s truth.  The more a person ignores or rejects God, the more their heart becomes desensitized to His presence.  Over time, sin no longer feels wrong, and the conscience becomes dull.  Paul describes such individuals as having "lost all sensitivity" and giving themselves over to impurity and greed.

This hardening does not happen overnight.  It begins with small compromises—ignoring God’s voice, justifying sinful behavior, or prioritizing personal desires over righteousness.  As a person continues down this path, their heart becomes calloused.  They may reach a point where they no longer feel guilt or remorse for their actions, no matter how destructive.

In today’s world, we see this reality everywhere.  Society often celebrates sin, encouraging people to follow their desires without considering the consequences.  The more people indulge in selfishness, dishonesty, or immorality, the more their hearts harden.  This is why some individuals become indifferent to suffering, injustice, or the needs of others.

For Christians, the warning is clear: we must guard our hearts.  If we ignore God’s voice or justify sinful behavior, we risk becoming spiritually numb.  Instead, we should remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, allowing God to shape and soften our hearts.

Put on your new self

Paul then shifts from describing the condition of the unbelieving world to urging believers to live differently.  He reminds them that they have been taught the truth in Jesus and must "put off" their old selves, characterized by deceitful desires, and "put on" their new selves.  This imagery suggests an intentional transformation, like changing out of filthy clothes and putting on something new and clean.  Becoming a Christian is not just about believing in Jesus; it requires a complete renewal of our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.  Just as an old garment is discarded because it is worn out, our sinful nature must be left behind.  This process is not automatic—it requires effort, commitment, and daily surrender to God.

Putting on the new self means aligning our lives with God’s truth.  It means letting go of bitterness, dishonesty, selfishness, and impurity and instead embracing love, integrity, kindness, and holiness.  It means making choices that reflect Christ in our relationships, work, and daily interactions.

This transformation happens through the renewal of our minds.  Paul talks about this in another verse where he says

2Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

As we study God’s Word, pray, and seek His presence, our thinking changes.  The lies we once believed are replaced with God’s truth.  We begin to see the world through His perspective and make decisions that honor Him.

Created to be like God

The final part of this passage highlights our ultimate calling: we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  This does not mean we become divine, but rather that we reflect God’s character.  Just as a child bears a resemblance to their parent, we, as God’s children, should exhibit His attributes in our lives.

God’s nature is one of love, justice, mercy, and purity.  When we put on our new selves, we strive to embody these qualities.  This is not about following a set of religious rules; it is about becoming who God designed us to be.  Righteousness and holiness are not burdens but the natural expression of a heart transformed by God.  Living a life that reflects God’s nature requires daily commitment.  We must choose righteousness even when it is difficult, extend grace even when others do not deserve it, and pursue purity in a world that promotes sin.  Our transformation should be evident to those around us, drawing others to Christ.

This is the essence of the Christian life: a continuous journey of becoming more like God.  It is not about perfection but about progress.  With each step of obedience, our lives become brighter, reflecting God’s light in a dark world.

What about me?

Believer, this passage should challenge you to consider the course your life is on.  Do you still hold on to old ways of thinking and behaving?  Have you allowed our hearts to become desensitized to sin?  Or are you actively pursuing transformation, seeking to reflect God’s character?  I have considered these things myself, and it was not pleasant.  But God was with me then, and he will be with you now.  As believers, we must choose daily to walk in the light, allowing God to renew our minds and shape our hearts.  When we do, we fulfill our true purpose—living as His children, shining His love, and bringing His truth to the world.