Putting Off; Putting On

  As we grow in maturity in Christ there are things we must "put off" according to Paul.  Since Paul is fond of lists, let us list here the things we are to put off:  your old self, deceitful desires, falsehood, anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, malice, sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse joking, darkness, drunkenness (Ephesians 4:17 - 5:20).  
  Paul gives, of course, another list of what we are to "put on": our new self, righteousness, holiness, truth, wholesome talk (psalms, hymns and spiritual songs), kindness, goodness, compassion, forgiveness, love, thanksgiving, light, understanding, the Spirit.
  Many of these have to do with our words, what we say to one another.  As James says in his letter, if we control the tongue we control the entire person (James 3:1-12).  If we change the way we speak, we will change the way we act.

  For Reflection:  If we don't find ourselves more in the second list from Ephesians than the first, can we find a way to immerse ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs?
 Let us pray.  I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly. . . .  I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.  I do not conceal your love and your truth . . . .  (Psalm 40: 9-10).

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