Following Jesus requires some changes. There are attitudes and behaviors we must cast off when we become a Christian. Several passages in the New Testament instruct us to “put away” certain behaviors. For example, Ephesians 4:25 commands us to “put away falsehood.” There is no room for dishonesty and deceit in the life of a Christian. Ephesians 4:31 also instructs us to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. As Christians, we must control our emotions, especially those emotions that impact our relationships with others. While things like slander and wrath and bitterness come naturally, we must work to cast off such attitudes. First Peter 2:1 also adds hypocrisy to the list of things to put away. Honesty should permeate the Christian’s life, both in word and action.
Are there attitudes or behaviors in your life that you need to put away in order to faithfully follow Jesus?