Christianity is an Active Faith, Not a Passive Faith

I can put on a fake smile when I’m hurting, depressed, and afraid.

I can quote Scripture and even counsel someone biblically when I’m bitter or angry.

But God wants something better for me.

Christian faith is not a pretense. It's a reality. 

It's "putting off" our old sin nature and "putting on" our new nature.

Please take a moment and read Ephesians 4:22-24.

This passage gives us the key to growing in Christ: put off, put on...it's active, not passive.

We don’t sit and wait for God to take away our addictions and sins. We actively participate in their destruction.*

We capture lies with truth (2 Corinthians 10:5).

We exchange discouragement for thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).

We replace excuses with confession (1 John 1:8-10).

We destroy bitterness with forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32).

We close the frig and grab our Bible (Matthew 4:4).

* We can't do this in our own power, but we must actively participate with God's work in us (Philippians 2:12-13).

If you have any unique ways of putting off your old man, please share them in a comment! 
And check out these practical ideas:

I Can't Change
5 Ways to Process Problems
Let's Get to Work
8 Ways to Walk Closer to the Lord

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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.