God’s Word teaches us to get rid of or even put to death (Col 3:5) our former self and former way of life that was opposed to God as though they are clothing to be taken off (Col 3:5). Instead we are to put on (as though a garment) the character of Christ. In Col 3:12, Paul reminds us that we are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved. Therefore, we are called to a character that is aligned with our Master. We are called to put on the character of Christ (Rom 8:29)

Eph 4:24… put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Col 3:3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Col 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming… 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these… since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Col 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Dear Lord,
By Your grace and by the almighty power of Your Holy Spirit, please enable me to progressively continuously put off my old self and former way of life and renew me day by day to be more like you.