We're in the process of cleaning out closets and getting rid of things we no longer use. The other day I opened up a box of clothes I haven't worn in years. I tried on the different pieces of clothing and found that many no longer fit (I'd like to say that's because I've lost weight, but we all know that's not the case! More the opposite, unfortunately.) So what did I do with these old clothes. Did I sell them on eBay or give them to Goodwill? No, of course not. I put them back in the box! Well, I am on an exercise program which is going pretty well and who knows, maybe I'll be able to lose those excess inches I've added over the years. Maybe I'll be able to fit back into those old clothes again. The question is, why would I want to? They are old, out-of-date, and worn. Why do I feel this need to hold onto them?
In my Scripture reading this morning, Ephesians 4, Paul talks about how we are to "put off" our old self, our old way of life and "put on the new self, created to be like God..." Unfortunately, far too often I find myself trying to put back on the "old self", those old clothes that don't fit anymore, those old sins that for some reason I cling to, afraid to toss them out because I might "need" them again someday. What a foolish thing to do. God has given me a new life, a life full of joy and freedom and possibilities. Why would I want to go back to the old ways that only brought misery and guilt.
I pray today that, with God's help, I will learn to just enjoy the new life which He's given me and go ahead and toss out those "old clothes" that no longer fit the person I'm becoming in Him.
2 comments:
I hadn't thought of this analogy, but you are right; so many times we take back what we have asked God to take away...We also miss out on sharing both our old and new "clothes" with others. I am glad you are sharing your thoughts!
Thank you. I found this at a time when I needed it most. You have a wonderful way of communicating your thoughts.
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