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… —Ephesians 4:22-23.
God makes us new when we become disciples of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Most of us, however, have moments when the old way of life erupts, makes its presence known, and tries to drag us back into the old way of living. So, being new is a lifetime decision we must make each day, offering ourselves to God, putting off our old self, and inviting the Holy Spirit to renew us (Romans 12:1-2). Throughout Ephesians, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit’s power working in us (Ephesians 1:17-20, 3:14-21, 5:15-21). As we commit daily to following the Lordship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers and matures us to be more and more like him (Ephesians 4:12-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The newness of our life in Jesus never has to become old or stale!