Made New: A 15–Day Devotional on Colossians 3 With Jada EdwardsSample

Taking on our new identity in Christ requires putting off old, ungodly behaviors. In today’s devotional, Jada reminds us that God is asking us to shed the old junk in our lives, let go of our idols, and trust Him.

Reflect

Much like Jada needed to wash the dirt out of her raw rice before marinating it in Jamaican seasoning, we are told to “put to death” the sins we practiced before we were in Christ. Only when we commit to rejecting old patterns—anything selfish, impure, angry, slanderous, or obscene—will our new identity shine through. In what ways are you different now that you are a Christian? Which of your old, sinful habits have been easy to put aside? Which old desires have taken more time and work to give up?

In our passage today, Paul gives us a list of sinful practices to reject. But Jada clarified that we can’t simply stop practicing these sins—we need a new heart that pursues God so much that we stop wanting to sin. As we grow in our love for Christ, we will desire to be more like Him and less like our old selves. In what ways are you getting to know God better? Which character qualities of Jesus do you find most attractive? What could it look like for you to practice those qualities in your life?

Respond

Jesus makes us new. But we still live with our same old weaknesses and temptations. Each day, God invites you to let go of your old sin habits and to trust Him with your new life in Christ.

Identify one or two lingering sin habits that continue to impact your life. Spend time evaluating why you cling to those habits. Then, write out a prayer asking God to give you the insight, grace, and strength to choose righteousness when tempted by old sins.