Ephesians 4:24

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
(NIV)

Here is step #3 on the way to true change. There will be a few examples here in the next few verses, but I want to make sure that the steps are understood.

The first step is to Put Off. When we see some action or attitude in our lives that is sinful, and not in place with who we now are in Christ, we need to put it off. Eliminate it. So many people stop here. They believe that the way to Christianity on this earth is by not doing anything bad. This way to righteous living will so often lead to failure or stagnation. People will either try this and try this and continue to fail or they will succeed in a few areas and become content with that. True change requires more.

The second step is the skipped step for many. The step is to Be Renewed in the spirit of your minds. The NIV tells us to "be made new." The idea that can't be overlooked is that true change emanates from a changed heart.

The third step is to Put On. Once we have dealt with the sin in our hearts, that lead us to those wrong actions or attitudes, we need to put on a new behavior. We need to replace.

This process should become a daily process. Or at least as often as you sin... Which is, I am sure, if you are anything like me, a regular occurrence.