Read: Colossians 3:1-17

Put off the old self with its practices and . . . put on the new self. (vv. 9-10)

What is the key to living a good life? Marketers spend millions convincing us that they know the answer. But the truth is, we were created to be in fellowship with God. The key to a good life is our collaboration with the Holy Spirit to build it.

What will this life look like? Colossians 3 gives a clear description of a good and beautiful life with directions on how to gain it. First, we take off our old self with its need for self-gratification and control. Then, we put on a new self. We are able to do this because we are “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” (v. 12). Next, we allow God’s Spirit to make us into compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, and loving people.

This is no easy process. In one of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia stories, Eustace, a young boy, turns into a dragon because of his bad behavior. The lion Aslan shows him a well with bubbling water. Eustace is eager to jump into the water to heal his sore leg, but the lion tells him he must undress first. Eustace peels off two layers of dragon skin, but each layer reveals a new layer. Aslan says, “You will have to let me undress you.” The process is painful! When it is over, the lion throws him into the water. Eustace becomes a boy again.

To build a good and beautiful life, our old skin must go.

Prayer:

Help me pull off my old skin.

Author: Karen Bables

https://woh.org/