The Shape of a New Man

I’ve been putting a lot of thought in to Philippians 4:8-9. This passage contains a list of things that we need to think of and practice. If this list were to consume every man’s thoughts and actions, it would radically change the way the world operates. Instead, mankind often takes the low road. We do what is attractive, easiest, and what “feels good”. We soak up what is fed to us by the media and our peers. Not all of us struggle with maintaining the thoughts and actions that God desires in the same measure. However, we all face some type of conflict between our physical and spiritual selves. We are in a constant battle against Satan, who will try to destroy in any way possible.
Do we always do “whatever is right”? Do we serve God and treat others with love and respect? Are we pure, or do we allow ourselves to be tainted by the conversations we become involved in, the things we watch on television, the music we listen to, or the thoughts that turn us away from God? Are we noble, living superior lives, founded on high moral principles and ideals? We have to constantly ask ourselves tough questions. We need to step out in the world boldly proclaiming God’s presence through every aspect of who we are. Ephesians 4:22-25 says we must “put off the old man.”
If we think of ourselves as clay, we must then think of who models and forms the clay. Every time we support sinful acts either through participation or in ignorance, we allow ourselves to be shaped in a certain manner. We begin to fear what the world thinks of us and not what the “God of peace” wants us to be. Once shaped, it seems to take more work to repair the damage done than it would have been to avoid sin in the beginning. God has given us amazing potential. He wants to turn us in to new men and women. He wants to bless us with peace and joy, if we are willing to make changes and break free of sin.