Putting Off and Putting On!

Thinking of giving something up for Lent? 

Consider a challenge: This year, instead of giving up a favorite food, TV and those kinds of things, consider giving up a behavior or attitude that is not reflective of one who is a follower of Christ.

To be honest, we have so much abundance--giving up a creature comfort really isn't all that sacrificial--which is the point of giving something up for 40 Days--correct?

Even if you do not traditionally observe the Lenten season, it is always a good time to take an action step toward Spiritual formation.

Get specific with the Lord--He will be faithful to let you know what you need to "put off and put on"--but to be honest, if you are like me, you already know what they are!

So.....Let’s put off anything that hinders our relationship to Him and our witness to others around us.  Let's put on more of His grace and love--- are you in?

~ Laura Acuna

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  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 4:20-24 

Action Steps:  What is one thing you need to put off that will move you forward in your relationship to Him and strengthen your witness to other around you?  What then, do you need to put on? Write them down and commit to praying for strength to put off the thing! Give your self grace if you make "imperfect progress"—He does! Perfection is NOT THE GOAL!

Prayer: Lord, change me. Help me to drop the attitudes and behaviors that get me nowhere in my relationship with You. I so desire to reflect Your love and grace to those who are literally dying to know You. I know I can give them quite a mixed message. Help me as I grow and learn to be more like You.  Amen.