There must be a putting away of the old man once The Holy Spirit comes to reside in one’s heart.

Yes, it is often a process, but listen…

It is no longer okay to just say, “That’s just how I am.”

It may be how you are but Christ in you should be changing you.

I began my life with Christ with a Bible opened next to my alcohol of choice and a pack of cigarettes. At the time, it’s just where I was. Later, the Lord removed both of those desires.

My language changed also. There were things I no longer felt comfortable saying and places I no longer felt comfortable going.

My wardrobe began to change drastically as well. The mini skirts were out and I learned I could be beautiful while being fully clothed. Now, Christ approves my wardrobe. If there are any hesitations in my heart-it’s a clear, “NO.”

As I began getting closer to Jesus, I realized I could grieve Him, meaning I could hurt His heart and I just didn’t want to do that anymore.

His Word tells me that if I love Him I will obey Him. I wanted to love Him with all of my heart.

I now abstain from many things that I once did. Some were flat out sin while other things, He showed me, were permissible-but not beneficial.

I steer clear of anything that might cause another to stumble. It’s just that simple. I am responsible for my influence.

As God continues to call me higher and higher, I’ve found He convicts me more and more of what might seem like trivial behaviors to some.

My shopping carts always get put up. I always try to pay my bills early to be a good witness, and I love to do things like make sure I take good care of waitresses or waiters when I’m out to eat. You never know when someone is counting on that day’s tips. I try to remain very mindful of that possibility.

Please know I’m not boasting in myself but in what Christ has done in me over the years. I encourage you to invite Him to do the same for you.

It is important to me to honor the law in my taxes, get necessary legalities in proper alignment, and always make sure I honor those who God sends to help me.

You see, I’ve learned my actions speak louder than my words and no one will turn an ear to hear a word I have to say if I am always pushing boundaries, doing as little as possible, always taking instead of giving, being deceptive in my daily life, or constantly making excuses for behaviors that do not at all show people that Christ lives in me.

I find great joy now in those little things because I don’t just want to make a profession of Christ. I want to be made into more of His likeness.

In leadership I’ve found that nothing will keep people from Christ quicker than when we preach a message that we are not known for living.

Ask the Lord today to help you pay attention to things like character and integrity.

Always remember this: someone is always watching to see if they really want “who” you say lives in you.