What is your idea of improvement? How are you setting yourself up for success? What is your definition of success? How do you migrate your way out of bad situations into good situations? Are you hanging on to bad habits that are keeping you from being the best version of yourself?
We often hear about seeking self-improvement. There are many books written on the topic. There are more lists of advice for being better than we care to count. Though they may make good points and provide incremental steps toward improvement, they often leave out one key point.
The Apostle Paul tells the church in Rome to throw off their old self. He says they are to give up their former ways that were self-destructive. He tells them to step out of the darkness and into the light. Why? Salvation is near. They are encouraged to put on Jesus, to live their life for Him, to give up personal desires. That is good advice and encouragement for us as well.
Imagine how we could influence the people around us if we were to give our bad habits, our sinful ways. Setting a positive example for the people around us, for our children and grandchildren, is the best thing we can do for the future. We set the example by putting Jesus, living for Him, and setting aside our personal desires.
Paul doesn’t give this advice lightly. He does so with the weight of eternity and a love for the people weighing on his shoulders. Every good pastor has that same mindset, a desire to lead people to live for Christ. Nothing is more life altering nor more impactful than living for Christ and setting a positive example for others.
I pray we all give up our destructive behavior. I pray we set aside our personal desires. I pray each one of us will put on Christ, living our lives for Him, and setting a positive example for others. Give up destructive behavior. Set aside personal desires. Put on Christ. Live for Christ. Be a positive example.
Romans 13:14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Marty Pressey 