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.

Ephesians 4:21-24

These days you can find reality TV shows about almost every kind of makeover: homes, cars, clothing, even bodies. Although there’s a dramatic difference in subjects, the idea is always the same: out with the old, in with the new. Out with the ugly, unstylish, and unhealthy, and in with the fresh, fashionable, and fit. But none of the transformations are easy or quick. They require a lot of work and often a lot of time.

The first step in the transformation of your heart requires recognizing the truth of Jesus, but you have to do some work to get rid of the old and make room for the new. Certain things: habits, sin, even negative relationships must be taken off before putting on your new nature that looks a lot more like Jesus. You will need to knock down a few “walls” that are keeping you from seeing the changes you want to see. You will have to take off whatever is keeping you stuck in your old life, so you can be dressed with the righteousness of God. Then you need to surrender and let the Holy Spirit do the work. 

Which parts of your old life aren’t compatible with your life with Jesus? Growth and change may be hard, but so is staying stuck where you are when that place is no longer good for you. When Jesus told His disciples to follow Him, they didn’t fight to hang onto their old ways. They just laid down their old lives and their nets and followed immediately. Prayerfully identify whatever ugly, unhealthy things are hindering your faith, lay them down, and follow Him. You are loved! 

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20