Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the creator.  ~Col. 3:9-10

I just read Tad’s post before this, and not surprisingly what I have to say follows his thoughts, like I have the next two verses in Colossians.  Paul provides us a couple of lists in verses 5 and 8 that are demonstrative, but not exhaustive, of the old self or earthly ways.  But then Paul immediately writes “do not lie to each other...” in other words don’t fake it. All those things listed are things you can keep secret, they can be kept hidden while looking renewed. Also known as hypocrisy.

Paul has more to say: don’t lie “since you have taken off the old self  and its ways and put on the new self.”  It would be nice if being renewed was as quick as changing out of a dirty shirt. But Paul says the new self “is being renewed in the knowledge of the creator.”  The new self isn’t completed renewed, not finished renewed, the new self is being actively renewed.  Renewal is happening but it is not yet complete.

How does knowledge of my creator renew me?  In John 1:14 we learn that Jesus is full of grace and truth. He carried 100% grace with 100% truth. Knowing this renews me, gives me hope that when I drop a choice 4 letter word it doesn’t mean I am degenerate, I am a new man being renewed even as old crap still comes out. Why? Because grace without truth means no justice. Truth without grace means only judgment.  Jesus brings both perfect mercy and perfect justice to me in my process of being renewed. The new self is put on and it’s the new self that is being renewed.  Crazy that the new self isn’t ready-made righteous.