Out with the Old You, In with the New Creation

     The stores are starting to get rid of the old winter stock and bringing in the new spring lines.  I love this time of year.  I get rid of socks and dig out my sandals.  I put the sweatshirts away and get the tank tops out.  I hate the cold weather and I am happy that spring has arrived.  It doesn’t make sense for stores to keep those cold weather clothes in stock when the weather is getting warmer, does it?

     In the same way, as Christians, we need to clothe our selves with the qualities of Christians.  In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul tells us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

     Isn’t it great to be considered holy and dearly loved?  To be God’s chosen people?  Forgiven by the One who created the whole universe?  In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul also says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  The first day of spring was officially March 20^th.  Winter is gone.  The animals will be giving birth to new babies, the flowers will start their blooming.  All around us the shedding of the old is occurring.

     As your putting away those old winter clothes and getting out your spring wardrobes, think about your life as a Christian.  Are you clothed as a new creation or are you still clothed as you were in your “old” life?  Will you choose to live in the new, or suffer in the old?  Spring is a beautiful time of year with the ground clothed in newly greened grass and colorful flowers.  Being a Christian, one of God’s chosen people, is the most beautiful way for you to clothe yourself.