22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
What is your “old self”? We simply cannot encounter the risen Jesus and stay the same. There has to be a fundamental shift in how we think, how we act, and what we value, otherwise we are merely acquaintances with Him.
“the likeness of God” This is huge when we talk of discipline. There is a direct correlation to the works of Jesus and the discipline He practiced. In this discipline that prioritized His spirituality and the needs of others, He was strengthened to face the cross. When we practice such upside down faith, we are united to our Lord in spiritual discipline. This is a daily decision to choose our “new self”.
What is God calling you to? Have you asked Him? Your purpose is a great work and it starts in the shadows of your discipline.
Lord, thank you for saving us from our old self and giving us an alternative. May our choices and discipline look like you. Be the center of our lives. We love you. Help embolden us to love your discipline.
Matt simon blog 