²⁴ and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24 ESV)

I have found over time that this putting on of the new self is not a one time event. In fact, I have realized that I have to put it on quite regularly. We so easily slip back into our old ways and realize that we are not really reflecting Christ. We have become one with the world again and that is exactly where our enemy wants us.

But we were made for something more.

Our need to “fit in” in many aspects of life may be a bit of a necessity. However, fitting in does not necessarily mean that we are conforming the core of who we are to the situation. Yes, we have some responsibility to adapt to our various social and business environments. This is simply a part of living a life with others. But we must maintain who we are in Christ regardless of our social or business situations. This may create a bit of an outsiders lifestyle where we adapt to the environment but maintain the core of who we are in Christ.

In these situations we need to make sure that our new self does not quickly morph back into our old self. We may require a “putting on” more regularly to keep us honest to who Christ wants us to be.