Whether it’s new shoes or a new haircut, putting on something new feels good. That small change often helps us feel better or more confident.

Last week we looked at the character, Ruth, in the Bible. At one point, Ruth was told to change her clothes before going to visit her possible, future husband. This change may have meant adding an outer garment that covered her entire body except her head, or it may be interpreted that she changed out of her widow’s or mourning clothes, indicating her time of grieving had ended. Either way, Ruth made an obvious change.

In the New Testament, Paul instructs believers. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Note that before we “put on,” we must first “put off.” Seriously, we can’t wear our new shoes on top of our old ones. Similarly, in Christ, we must trade our old habits and ways of thinking for the new. I find that unfortunately this is not a one-and-done deal.

Being “made new” or becoming more like Jesus is a process. Paul also wrote, “… inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16b). We need to regularly take an account of what we’re “wearing.” It’s easy to slip into old habits and forget to continue to apply the Biblical teachings we are receiving.

As we dress each day, we can make a mental note or pray to “put on” the attitude of Christ and with God’s help reflect His behavior.