Ephesians 4:22-24 – 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. (NIV)

When I was in high school, I had a good friend with whom I did a lot of things. One thing we did that we should not have done was drink. Our parents found out about our drinking. My friend's parents felt that I was the bad influence on their son, so they never really cared for me a whole lot. I would get treated coldly when I would go over to his house.

Then something changed between my friend's parents and myself. I joined the navy after graduation. When I would come back for a visit, I would usually wear my uniform. I noticed that my friend's parents treated much better than before I joined the navy. When I wore the uniform I was treated with respect and kindness. It was as if the uniform had matured me and made me responsible in their eyes. In a way it did those things. When I wore that uniform I was a different person and others could tell it.

When we believe in Christ there should be a change in us. The old self should be taken off and the new self should be put on: the self that is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. We should have a new way of thinking, and therefore people should see the change in us.

My life should reflect my faith. I sometimes wonder, can people look at me and see my faith in Christ? Or do they see someone who says one thing and does another? I hope that people can see the change in my life, just as people saw a change in my life when I wore the navy uniform — not because I want people to look at me and see how good I am, but because I desire people to look at me and see the new self put on when God gave me the gift of salvation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how great is your gift of salvation! When this gift is received, there should be a change in our words and deeds. May you shower us with the Holy Spirit, who guides us in our new life in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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