In the passage from Colossians 3:8-9 we find a profound exhortation on the transformation that must occur in the lives of those who claim to follow Christ. The Apostle Paul, addressing the Colossian church, urges them to recognize the necessity of shedding their old ways — habits and attitudes that are contrary to the character of Christ. He declares, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.” (KJV)

At the heart of this passage lies a call to intentionality — a reminder that transformation in Christ is not passive but an active choice. How often do we drift into patterns of behavior that are representative of the “old man”? The phrase “put off” implies an effort similar to removing dirty clothes; it requires a conscious decision to take off what is no longer appropriate. Paul lists negative traits: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication. Each of these represents not just individual failings but a collective breaking of relationships with God and with one another.

Anger can be a devastating force in our lives. It blazes like a wildfire, quickly consuming our joy and peace. We might rationalize our anger, believing we have a right to express it, but Paul challenges us to recognize that harboring anger only serves to distance us from the heart of God, who calls us to love and reconciliation.

Wrath expands upon anger as a more intense outpouring of rage, an impulsive reaction often leading to destructive behavior. Malice speaks to a heart filled with ill will—harboring resentment or a desire for revenge against others with no regard for their dignity. Blasphemy and filthy communication represent the misuse of our words — the former often denigrating God and the latter corrupting the very way we interact with our peers, undermining our witness and damaging our relationships.

In this transformative journey, it is vital that we recognize the importance of our speech. The Apostle James speaks profoundly on this topic when he notes that the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8 KJV). Our words matter; they hold the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to harm. Paul calls us to "put off" these destructive ways of communicating, reinforcing the idea that our speech must be reflective of our new identity in Christ.

Furthermore, verse 9 draws our attention to the reality of deception — “Lie not one to another.” Lies can create barriers between us and others and can lead us back into the bondage of our former selves. In choosing to lie, we betray our identity as people of the truth, and we forfeit the authenticity that comes with living in alignment with God's will. "Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds" is a powerful reminder that with the acceptance of Christ comes a new nature — a nature that should grow increasingly intolerant of sin, including deceitful behavior.

Every moment presents us with choices — choices to respond in anger or to seek peace; choices to lash out with our words or to build each other up. To "put off the old man" is to actively engage in the discipline of self-awareness and self-control. It is vital to regularly evaluate our speech and our reactions in light of who we are in Christ.

As we conclude this reflection, let us ask ourselves: What old habits or attitudes do we need to shed? How can we intentionally cultivate a new way of living and communicating that reflects the love and truth of Jesus? May we rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us in this journey of transformation, embracing the freedom that comes from laying aside our old self and stepping into the fullness of life in Christ. In doing so, we will shine as lights in a dark world, drawing others to the grace and truth we have found.