Replace the Old Self

I have done a good amount of reading about processes and habits and one of the things that stands out to me is that in order for change to happen, replacing the old with something new is more effective than simply doing away with the old. When doing away with the old, it is still there to occupy the mind and there is a strong draw to come back to it when things are idle. When replaced, the old is now gone and not there in the mind any longer, as it has no pull any longer due to the new being there instead.

“⁹Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV)

Paul is pretty clear here that we should put away the old and embrace the new which is after the creator, God. I know, other than the lying, what else is there to put away and what should we replace it with? Well, he is clear on this as well.

“⁵Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁸But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth. ¹²Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹⁴And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:5, 8, 12, & 14 (ESV)

Above you know what I notice, there are fewer things with the new self than with the old self. What a concept for us to embrace. Simpler to be renewed in Christ than to hold on to the old. The few bold items are more profound than the many little details that are of concern in the old self. I know that I am all about simplicity and efficiency and this plays right into that concept for me.

In order to fully transform, it is more than just getting rid of the old, there is the element of filling that voided area where the old was removed with something. With fewer, bolder options to fill that void with, there is a lot of room for more of each of them. More, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and most of all LOVE.

What does your old self look like? Are you full of details and little things that are weighing you down as you try to remember them all? What if you were to rid yourself of the old, many details and replace it with the new fewer, bolder self?