Why?

and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
-Colossians 3:10 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

The past two days, we studied the characteristics of our lives before Christ, and that of after Christ. We studied the things we need to remove from our lives, and the things that should have replaced those old things. But, this question still remains: Why?

Paul writes in Colossians 3:10, "and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator." Why must we "put to death" the old things of our lives, our old behaviors and thought patters? Why must we "put on the new self?" Many of us don't like change. But this change is essential. "You are being renewed in knowledge." Our minds are being changed, our minds are being changed to see the things of God. Without that mind change, you'll never know the will of God for your life. I believe that so many people are walking around today aimlessly because they refuse to turn from their sinful ways, and put on the new person that Jesus wants you to be. Or maybe they are walking around aimlessly because churches today teach you to be comfortable in your sin, instead of leading you out of your old life, and into the new life that God expects. 

Paul writes in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Conformed means to be like something. It means to blend in. We don't want to blend into this sin infested world any longer. A Christians should not blend in. You keep from blending in when you allow God to transform your mind, for your mind to be renewed in the knowledge of His will for your life. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to allow God to renew your mind, your thought pattern, the way you see things? 

Finally, Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, "I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." The desire of the flesh is to do those things which Paul says we should stop doing, those things listed in Colossians 3:5, 8, 9. Are you ready to start walking as God wants you to walk? Are you ready to put away the sinful lifestyle, and start walking in Him? Think About It.