Put On the New Self: Daily Choices That Honor Jesus

Put On the New Self by Turning From Sin

Colossians 3 gives us strong words about daily life. Paul first tells us who we are in Christ. Then he tells us how to live. God does not say, “Live right so I will save you.” Instead, He says, “I saved you, so now live as My child.”

Colossians 3:5 says we must treat sin like it is dead. Paul names sexual sin, wrong desire, evil wants, and greed. These sins pull the heart away from God. They promise joy, but they bring pain. They look sweet, but they lead to death.

God made sex as a good gift. He gave it for marriage between a husband and wife. Genesis 2:24 says a man and his wife become one flesh. Hebrews 13:4 says marriage should have honor. So God does not hate sex. He guards it because it has deep power.

Our world often treats sex like a game. People give their bodies without covenant love. Many hope that sex will bring love, worth, or safety. Yet sin cannot give what only God can give. It may feel good for a short time, but it leaves wounds.

Rejecting Idols and Worldly Desires

Paul also names greed. Greed means we want more and more. It says, “God has not given me enough.” Colossians 3:5 says greed is idolatry. That means greed makes a false god. Money, beauty, fame, pleasure, and success can become idols.

1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world.” That does not mean we hate people. God loves people. It means we do not let the world’s ways rule us. The world chases lust, pride, and selfish gain. Jesus calls us to a better way.

To put on the new self, we must also put off old sin. That choice can feel hard. Old habits do not always leave fast. Yet Jesus gives power by His Spirit. Philippians 2:13 says God works in us. He helps us want what is right and do what is right.

Put On the New Self by Speaking Truth and Love

Colossians 3:8-9 gives another list. Paul says to put away anger, wrath, hate, slander, mean speech, and lies. These sins hurt people. They break trust. They poison homes, churches, and friendships.

Words matter to God. Jesus says in Matthew 12:34 that the mouth speaks from the heart. If anger fills the heart, angry words come out. Should pride take root, harsh speech follows. When love leads the way, kind words naturally grow.

Ephesians 4:29 says we should not let rotten words come from our mouth. Instead, we should speak words that build others up. That verse does not only tell us what to stop. It tells us what to start. Stop tearing down. Start giving grace.

Lying also belongs to the old life. A lie tries to hide truth. It may help us escape trouble for a moment. Still, lies always damage trust. Jesus calls Himself “the truth” in John 14:6. His people should love truth.

Colossians 3:10 says believers “have put on the new self.” God renews this new self in true knowledge. That means we learn to think more like Jesus. We learn from His Word, listen to His Spirit, and grow step by step.

Walking in Daily Transformation

No one changes in one day. A person may still battle anger. Another may still fight lust. Someone else may struggle with lying, greed, or bitter words. Growth can take time. However, a child of God should not make peace with sin.

Grace does not mean sin is fine. Grace means Jesus forgives and helps us change. Ephesians 2:8-9 says God saves us by grace through faith, not by works. Then Ephesians 2:10 says God made us for good works. Good works do not buy salvation. They show that new life has begun.

To put on the new self, choose each day to live like you belong to Jesus. Tell the truth. Speak kind words. Fight lust. Kill greed. Say no to anger. Ask God for help when you fall.

Colossians 3:11 says “Christ is all, and in all.” That means every believer finds life in Him. Your background does not stop Him, nor does your past scare Him. Even your weakness never catches Him by surprise.

So do not say, “This is just who I am.” Say, “This is who I was.” In Jesus, you can walk in new life. He saved you. He lives in you. Now follow Him as His loved child.

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