The Difference Between The Old Self and The New Self!

"That, however, is not the way of life you learned, when you heard about Christ and were taught in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:20-24 NIV)

Once again, we see in The Word, those who are speaking to the Believer--not the ones who never believed, but those who have come to learn that Jesus is the only way to the Father.

I hesitate to say that The Word was written for Christians since the term "Christian/Christianity" has taken on new connotations since those who refuse to obey The Word in its totality are still calling themselves, Christians. So, I use the term Believers--those who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and live according to The Word and its truth. I claim that this is an unequivocal truth since unbelievers will not read The Word and certainly won't obey it.

When I see what is going on in some churches, I wonder if those attending the buildings have ever read The Word for themselves since they are always defeated by every little thing that happens in their lives. Some are quick to resort to cussing people out when they can't have their way or in spreading rumors about things that have nothing to do with them or out of envy and jealousy. They are hard-hearted and think of no one but themselves and what they want to see happening in the building, for they do not realize it is the Body of Believers who are the True Church.

Most of what Paul writes is about how we ought to conduct ourselves as a Body of Believers--especially when we claim to be followers of Christ. He writes instructions on how to behave in our places of worship, gives instructions about those who have been gifted in various offices--apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher and all the helps ministries in the church. He gives us instructions on how to be parents and good husbands and wives. And in all of the instructions, if we read carefully, we see and understand how his experience with Jesus changed his life--from being a member of religious sect to being a Believer of Christ Jesus.

This is what truly believing and following Jesus means or should mean--we put off/set aside our old ways of doing things, cloaked in darkness, hiding our sins, and put on/drape ourselves in the newness of Christ Jesus. When we discover the new covering is so much better than the old, we should walk in the newness of life and light of love bestowed upon us.

We have rules for everything--especially in the church buildings--but if all those coming into the building, were walking as new selves in Jesus Christ, we would have no need for rules for we would all be submitted to Holy Spirit and we would allow Him to do His job--in the building and when we're not in the building.

If we have any love in us for God, we would listen to His voice and obey in all things, so when others see us or hear us, they would know--we belong to Jesus and our new selves will not continue to wear the old cloak of darkness--attempting to hide our sins.