It’s not that I have a lot of clothes, but I do have a closet size that only accommodates one season of clothing at a time. Every few months or so, I make plans to transfer clothes to a spare bedroom closet. This makes it more convenient to access the appropriate seasonal clothing. 

During this process, I also strive to determine what I will and will not actually wear. Since style is not my strong suit, I usually use questions such as “Does it still fit?” or “Does it reflect the best look for me?” to determine whether an article of clothing is saved for further use. 

In the same way, we evaluate our clothing to determine the best for our outer appearance, God asks His followers to consistently evaluate those things that reflect our inward condition. 

Ephesians 4:2-24 says: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self-created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

This principle is particularly important in parenting and in discipling others. When a child accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit will reveal to him those behaviors that no longer fit his new identity in Christ. As a result, these behaviors will need to be discontinued and replaced by new ones. A parent’s or a disciple maker’s role is significant in this endeavor. 

Just as a child may struggle with giving up a worn-out favorite pair of shoes, he may also struggle with giving up old habits and behaviors, especially if they result in temporary pleasure. In this instance, it’s important for a child to recognize the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  

In the same way, as adults, wearing something that no longer properly fits can make us uncomfortable, the Holy Spirit will make us uncomfortable with our old way of life, prompting us to change our actions and behaviors. 

Also, children or growing believers of any age should be taught to evaluate behaviors for themselves by asking Christ-centered questions: In what ways do my actions reflect the character of Christ? Does the Bible have anything to say about my behavior? Would God be pleased with my lifestyle? Asking these types of questions will help believers desire God’s perspective rather than their own. 

As children or adults are trained to embrace and develop their new identity in Christ, they will reflect God’s nature to those around them.