Yesterday we took a first look at Ephesians 4:22-32 by comparing characteristics of the old man and new man in a chart format. This is sometimes helpful to get an overview.

The list is so much more than a “Do This, Not That” list. It is not a checklist, but rather real change from the inside out as you now have a relationship with God. The verses refer to this as putting off and putting on. You are now alive.

Let’s look at the verses and what we are changing into (in KJV):

²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

You are renewed in the spirit of your mind. Breaking that down, the very spirit of your understanding and thinking will be made new, transformed. How? If we look at verse 22, it says that our old self was corrupted by deceitful desires. Now, we have a new mind.

We put on the new man as we would a garment. This new man is created in God’s likeness – righteous and truly holy. Just think of it, this new garment is making us to be like Christ in our thinking! We are transformed.

How does this relate specifically to those of us who are isolated, disabled, chronically ill? With God’s help, we are able to change our thinking of even our limitations and circumstances. He will help us see our lives as He does and live for His glory. We can be transformed from false desires to a mind focused on Him.

I love lists. At this point, I want a list. Do this, this, and this, and all will be well. Yet, this transformation comes from spending more time with our Father, with Jesus, with yielding to the Holy Spirit. We need time spent in His Word and in prayer. The transformation will come.

We will continue to look at this new life tomorrow, Lord-willing. See you then!