As I continue to look at the idea of personal identity, I have to look at Ephesians 4:22-24. As I have mentioned before, I think we have the tendency to cling to a me-centered identity. The Bible tells us to put off the old self which has deceitful desires. I think we can struggle being honest about what we want in life. Too many times we allow selfishness to rule our thinking.
Verse 23 tells us to be renewed and then verse 24 talks about putting on the new self which is God-like righteousness. That is a pretty tall order. However, God gives us what we need throughout Scripture to work towards this goal.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Word to guide us through life. Please help us to put off the old deceitful self and put on the new according to Your righteousness and holiness.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
Pleading in Prayer 