Read Colossians 3:7–10

The flesh dies a slow, bitter, bloody death—kicking and screaming all the way down. “Putting off” the clothes of the old self—the old, habitual lifestyle—will not be complete until you are determined to “put on” the garment of the new self—the new, fresh, Christian lifestyle (see Colossians 3:9–10). The tailor’s name is Change, and he is a master at fitting your frame. But the process will be painful...and costly.

Change—real change—takes place slowly. In first gear, not overdrive. Far too many Christians get discouraged and give up. Like ice skating or mastering a musical instrument or learning to water ski, certain techniques have to be discovered and developed in the daily discipline of living. Breaking habit patterns you established during the passing of years cannot occur in a few brief days. Remember that. “Instant” change is as rare as it is phoney.

God did not give us His Word to satisfy our curiosity; but to offer wisdom along with supernatural power to bring lasting transformation. Consider Paul’s words to the believers at ancient Colossae:

You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. (Colossians 3:7–10)

There is action on our part that is required to bring about lasting change. But the power to make it stick is from Christ—who through His Spirit, makes all things new! Is that great, or what?

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.