Today, in this first week of the new year, we are focused on daily spiritual balance. We are seeking this together through the lens of Scripture. Focusing on passages that encourage us in growth, maturity, and depth.

Today, we will return to Ephesians once again and look at a great call to balance. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and tune in.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Paul offered a list of contrasts for us to balance, to usher in new life and get rid of our old life. The image is much like taking off an old, dirty set of clothes and putting on a brand-new outfit. Listen to his words again in this way …

Take off lying and put on truth

Take off stealing and put on sharing

Take off discouragement and put on encouragement

Take off bitterness and put on forgiveness

Take off rage and put on kindness

Take off anger and put on compassion

Which of these have never been an issue for you? Which have been a problem in the past? And which may be a struggle today? The great news is if you are making progress, you are finding balance.

Some of these are an easy change of clothes while some may be tougher. The bottom line is Christ gives us all we need to take off the old and put on the new. But we can’t make any lasting change without Him.

Take these truths into your heart today. The exhale is our taking off and the inhale is the receiving of the new. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day.

Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, Thank You for all the things You have helped me to change, to take off. Thank You for the new that You have allowed me to experience. Help me to keeping transforming, changing into Your image. As above, so below.”