“Then you know to take off your former way of life, your crumpled old self—that dark blot of a soul corrupted by deceitful desire and lust—to take a fresh breath and to let God renew your attitude and spirit. Then you are ready to put on your new self, modeled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Imagine with me for a moment the most impeccable outfit you could ever dream up. I mean it's the creme de la creme. It fits perfectly. It complements you flawlessly. It's the most comfortable darn thing you ever did slip into, and, to your disbelief, it's free. Free! Yet, for reasons you can't fathom you're not sure you're ready to change out of your current outfit, tattered as it may be, and wear the absolute picture of perfection that's right before your eyes. When we think in these terms, it's easy to say, "Shhyeah. Whatev's I'm taking that gorg new outfit! I wouldn't keep my crumpled up old outfit over a free gift like that."

Ironically though, it's often analogous to the Christian life. Many of us live redeemed from truly ugly pasts. Many of us walked in paralyzing darkness that sucked the very life from our souls. A literal dark blot on the script of our history, our former life was ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and a crumbled-up mess. Yet, for many of us, the familiarity of it is enough to keep us from handing it over in a trade for the Christlike fit of our new digs. We allow fear to keep us from the gift of clothing ourselves in righteousness. Do you struggle with keeping one foot in the old and one in the new? If so, I encourage you today to let the old rags of the past go and to step both feet firmly into your Kingdom purposed self. It's a process. But, daily, remember who you are in Christ. You've been given the gift of righteousness and holiness that fit you perfectly. Today, refuse the temptation to squeeze into old ways of life that no longer fit you as a redeemed daughter of the King. You are royalty, my sister. Hold your head high and walk with holy confidence.