Cut Off Your Worldly Self
By Kristen Terrette
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry …” Colossians 3:5
For years I lived self-deceived. I turned to Jesus for salvation at a young age, so I considered myself a Christian through my teen and young adult years.
I truly thought I was a good person. For the most part, I was kind and non-confrontational. I sporadically attended church with my mom. I wanted to be liked, so I strived to be the teacher’s pet and later my boss’s favorite. I basically gave Jesus bits and pieces of my time when it was convenient, which I figured had to count for something.
A few months into my marriage I discovered I was pregnant and realized the possible consequences of my sinful state. Those two little lines on the pregnancy test instantly ripped things I’d enjoyed from my life. I was forced to admit I was addicted to many unhealthy and sinful habits, including diet pills and too much alcohol.
The phrase Paul used in today’s verse, “put to death,” doesn’t refer to a slow passing from natural causes in old age. Rather, it’s an instant and intentional act. When we seek to live like Jesus and follow His example, we must put away vices like those Paul mentions. We must sever them from our lives.
God used my pregnancy, and later my precious baby girl, to open my eyes to my sinful state and inspire me to change how I lived. I learned to cling to Jesus in my new role as a parent. He cleaned out my heart and taught me to turn from sin. It wasn’t easy, and I still fail often. But every day I choose to slay my “before Jesus” nature.
Are you letting old, negative or sinful behaviors live and thrive in you? Ask God’s Spirit to reveal what dishonors Him. Don’t settle for being a good person; live as Christ’s image bearer (Col. 3:10). Give up your old life and walk in the new life Jesus gave you. It’ll be worth it.
Kristen Terretteholds a Master's degree in Theological Studies and served as a Children's Ministry Director for five years. She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. She’s following her dream by writing Christian during the day and being a wife and mom come early afternoon when the family starts to arrive home. She’s serves on the Wholly Loved Ministriesteam, serves at her local church on the women's leadership team, and writes for Crosswalk.com. To see her blog and novels, check out her website at www.kristenterrette.com.
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