And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24
A friend of mine was recognized by his employer for his hard work and his initiative, and he received a promotion to a management position. His new title and duties resulted in some significant changes in his life. Not only was he much better paid and given greater privileges and responsibilities, but more was expected of him in his deportment and dress. And he took the change seriously. The sandals and sneakers, the denim and other casual clothes disappeared, and the dress shirts and neatly ironed dress pants became his normal attire, along with neckties and shiny shoes. He frequently wore a suit or a dark sports coat. Anyone seeing him arrive for work knew by his appearance that he was now a member of the management group. He not only became a manager but he also now looked like a manager. His change was something like our text is referring to when it urges Christians to put on the new man.
Our salvation has dramatically changed us. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This wonderful change has delivered us from the judgement we deserve, from the power that sin once held over us, and from the desires that once appealed to the flesh. We have now been granted great privileges and responsibilities to worship and serve the Lord who saved us. But are these changes apparent to those around us? Is it obvious to those we work with, associate with, live with, that we are now the children of God?
The clothing that we wear is just one of the indications that we are Christians; you can’t always identify a Christian by their clothes. It goes without saying that no Christian should dress immodestly or display ungodly symbols or slogans. What is more obvious to others is our behaviour. ‘But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behaviour)’ (1 Peter 1:15). This means our talk is not the gutter language of the world. This means we become honest and fair in everything we say and do. This means we are courteous and friendly to those around us, regardless of how they treat us. This means we notice and help those who are in need. This means we allow the joy of our salvation to show in outward happiness and contentment.
If we do all these things, we will find they will replace the old things that used to mark us as citizens of the world. And we will become recognizable as ambassadors for Christ. – Jim MacIntosh