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 4:22 – 24

Paul lifts up the main issue – what goes on in our minds, the attitude of your minds. That does not mean that what we do has no consequence, but that all action begins and ends with the mind.

Salvation includes, as I see it, a change of mind.  We do not come to Jesus for salvation, and then, having embraced it, go away and live like we always did, in the deceiving power of the flesh.

No!  Salvation includes denying the demands of the old self and putting on the new self, a gracious gift of God.  We cannot make ourselves new.  We repent, God makes us new.

God created this new self in us.  It is a self that is determined to live in true righteousness and holiness, something that the old self did not even understand much less obey.

Lord Jesus, continue your good work of nurturing your presence in my life.  Stay alive and active in me.  Renew my mind continually by the power of your blessed Holy Spirit.