Standing Firm

Embracing the Christian life should become as instinctive as changing clothes. Just as we discard the old and put on the new garments, we should willingly shed our old ways now that we perceive through spiritual eyes. Our responsibility is to continually shed what is no longer appropriate and put on the clothes God has given us.
Regrettably, many of us tread an unwise path. Although we claim citizenship in the new kingdom, we persist in wearing the fashions of the old realm. Attempting to blend in everywhere, we end up fitting in nowhere. We might blend into the old kingdom, but our true passport lies in the new kingdom, and yet, we are slow to adapt. In the early stages of our spiritual journey, this may feel uncomfortable and awkward.
What causes our hesitation? Why are we reluctant to embrace our new attire? Perhaps it's because we fear experiencing rejection, and nobody enjoys being rejected. However, it's important to remember that rejection is something everyone faces at some point. There's rejection from the world, and there's also rejection in the form of discipline from the kingdom of heaven. Wise decision-making demands that we make a choice. Attempting to dress for both kingdoms simultaneously is not a viable option.
Do you find yourself hesitating to fully commit to the kingdom of God? Are you holding on to remnants of your past citizenship? Let go without hesitation! Discard them as you would dispose of an old, worn-out set of clothes. We deny deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22) and saturate ourselves in a new attitude (Ephesians 4:23). Our goal is to imitate Jesus Christ in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). There is no greater wisdom than this. It's a daily process.

Ephesians 4:21-24 states, "If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."