The Princess and the P'sSample

PUT OFF/PUT ON

If we are going to praise the Lord with our lives and not just our lips we are going to have to put something off as well as put something on. Though we have been saved from the eternal consequences of our sin and liberated from the power that sin once exercised over us, the presence of sin has not yet been removed. This is why in Christ we still need to grow in holiness day by day. We need to put off anything that still remains from our sinful way of life.

Old habits die hard, and sin, even though it is defeated, still attempts to assert dominance over the children of God. This struggle is ultimately futile for sin because God has promised that one day each and every one of His children will be perfectly like Jesus. Sin will not ultimately win in the hearts of those whom Jesus has saved. But it can sure feel like sin is wining in our day to day lives right now! This is why we must fight and put to death remaining sin in our lives.

We are not just to turn from sin. We are turn towards righteousness. It would be impossible to turn from sin without replacing it with holiness. That is why the Bible tells us not just what we are not supposed to do, but provides positive instruction on what we are to do instead. For example, instead of lying, we are to tell the truth. Instead of fraudulently taking what doesn’t belong to us, we are to freely give from what we have honestly earned. Instead of insults and fighting, encouragement and blessing. Instead of grumbling, thanksgiving. Instead of worry, prayer.

Take some time to close in prayer asking the Lord to show you some of the areas where you might still need to put off sin in your life. Also ask Him what you can put on in place of those sinful actions or attitudes.