Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 4:22  “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.”

What a nasty surprise to find this Burmese python in a pile of old clothes at a Florida flea market!  Being nocturnal he probably caught something yummy to eat during the night and was using this dark soft spot to slowly digest his prey and nap the day away.  If I were the woman startled by this eight foot long snake slithering out of a pile of clothes, my scream would likely be heard miles away!

Today’s verse is about putting off our old self.  Like a piece of old clothing we are to take it off.  The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him.  The old self is as disgusting as that snake, characterized by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice.  But now with the new self we can be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, patience and over all, love (Col.3:12 & 14).

If you are like me, some of the old items are still hanging out in your closet!  Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer.  I am often unaware of what I am wearing.  But those old clothes are NOT pretty.  I do have a choice.  Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today.  Because of Christ, I can be new.  I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.

Help me Lord, to recognize the old and throw it out!