Christians are supposed to be different, not just for the sake of being different, but because our motivation has changed. In Colossians 3:5-7 the apostle Paul says that there was a time when we were just like everyone else. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.” But now, he says in verses 1-2, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” One thing that cannot be overlooked about this change in the Christian is that it requires effort on our part, God is not going to do it for us. “If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:21-24). In Colossians chapter 3 Paul expands on this idea of putting off the old man and putting on the new man. “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” (vs. 8-9). In verse 10 Paul says we have “put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” In verse 12-15 Paul says that putting on the new man requires massive changes in our character. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” It is not easy making the changes that we need to make as Christians, but the reward is well worth the effort.