Transformation Series Episode 5

Transformation Series Episode 5

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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.

Hello, my walking friend! I’m so glad you are continuing on the journey of transformation! I know it may feel like a struggle sometimes, at least I know it does for me, but you are stepping out, literally, and taking steps toward change by walking and by spending that time with Jesus! I know he will reward you for your efforts!

Today is the 5^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is 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.

Do you ever feel discouraged because you have set all of these worthy goals for yourself – goals that will help you become a healthier, more loving, more Godly human being – and you find yourself taking two positive steps forward, only to fall back a few steps? It’s hard to be a human being! And even harder when you know that you have been given a new self, a new life in Christ!

But, take heart, my walking friend, you are not struggling alone! Even the apostle Paul lamented, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Yup, that pretty much sums up how I feel most of the time! It’s those deceitful desires that keep corrupting me! How about you?

Well, it would be easy to play the victim role and blame our inability to change on our flesh, but that would be another deceitful desire – the desire to blame someone or something else for our situation. The truth is that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to help us with change. He has given us his words to learn from and lean on to help us make those changes in our minds, which leads to making more Godly decisions, which leads to transformation into healthier, more loving, more Godly people. 

Yes, we are taught to put off our old self. We know that is what we ought to do. But oftentimes we attempt to do that without relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to help us. Oh, my walking friend, that is foolishness! And I say that not only for your ears but for mine as well! As Paul said, I do not do what I want to do (or know I should do) instead I do what I don’t want to do! Lord Jesus help us!

And that’s exactly what he will do – help us! Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of his word, he will help us put on the new self, being made new in the attitude of our minds, because we were created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. But first we have to consciously decide to put away the old self. We have to say no to some things in life we may really like. Some that may even be good things – but not good for us. You know what that might be, just like I know what it is for me. We might have to make a few sacrifices in the process of transformation but won’t it be worth it if the result is we are healthier – physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, mentally, financially? And most importantly, won’t it be worth it to be a more Godly person? Definitely!

So take a little time now to meditate on 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.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Do you ever feel like the apostle Paul, struggling to do what you know you should and not do the things you shouldn’t? Does it help you to know you are not alone in your struggles?

Take a minute to imagine yourself throwing away your old self and putting on a new self – as if  you were taking off an old coat and throwing it away and putting on a new one. Hold the coat tight around you and imagine, that is what Jesus is doing to you right now. Holding you tight as a new creation, loved by him, transforming you from the inside out.

Righteousness and holiness are worthy spiritual goals, and life-long ones since we will constantly be struggling against our human flesh.  Spiritual transformation is an on-going process. How does that make you feel? If discouraged, try to be encouraged knowing that Jesus loves you and is holding you tight throughout the process. Remember, with him, all things are possible.

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

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.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for being patient with us as we go through the process of being transformed into your likeness. Help us when we get discouraged because we do the things we don’t want to do instead of what we know we should. Give us the power to be an overcomer. Remind us to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and your word. We truly want to be righteous and holy followers of you, Jesus, our Savior. Thank you for walking with us always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, in whose likeness we are being transformed. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.