“Put Off And Put On…!”

“Put Off And Put On…!”Col.3:5-11).
“One of the principles of Christian growth is called the ‘put off and put on’ principle…” This principle is motivated by the fact that “there are always sinful attitudes and actions we need to put off, and there are always positive traits of righteousness we need to put on more firmly.”
To the Ephesians, Paul writes: “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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, *and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”(Eph. 4:22-24).
In today’s text, Paul states the same to the Colossians: “…Do not lie to each other, *since you have taken off your self with its practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator…”*
Having been reconciled to God by dying and rising with Christ, we cannot be the same old beings. We have become new creations we have been born again. If we are born again by being raised with Christ, we should set our “hearts on things above, where Christ is seated… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
The vices and sins of the earthly nature should be put to death. Those are the things that provoke the wrath of God to come upon us.
No doubt we used to walk in those ways, but it should no longer be so!
So therefore, “…Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your self with its practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator…”
Dear friend, today 12th October 2024, ordained pastors of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon will be nominating candidates for Moderator and Synod Clerk at their various Presbytery Meetings.
Let us pray for PCC: We pray that those involved in the electoral process and those to do the nominations should sincerely put off the old self and put on the new self! Holy Spirit, give the pastors strength and courage to overcome intimidation and threats. Guide their choices as they nominate candidates with clear consciences. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.