The Process of a Faithful Life
Today’s Verse:
Colossians 3:10 ESV
…And (you) have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Saint Paul is not telling you to “try harder to be good.” He is saying that you have already clothed yourself with the new self, because that new self has been created for you by God, not by you. This is what grace is. On the day of your baptism, the old self was put to death, and the new self, created in Christ, was raised to life.
But this is a process that continues throughout our lives. This is the glorious paradox of the Christian life: we are both already new and yet still being renewed.
This means that your failures today do not define you. Your impatience, your harsh words, your envy, and your worry – these are traits of the old self. And the old self was crucified with Christ. All that is left is a life under renovation by the Holy Spirit.
“To be renewed in knowledge” is to be progressively transformed by the truth of who God is and who you are in Him. This is not the work of shame or performance; it is the living Word, the grace of Christ, and the power of His Spirit at work.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Father, Thank You for remaking me in Jesus Christ. Keep me mindful of Your love and what it means to my life in this new life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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