First we must realize we were created to be holy.

I'd like to tell you a story.  Bear with me. 

Once there was a new believer who was trying to find his way in the world. He was confused because he learned certain things in church but opposite things elsewhere. He wanted to do what was right but felt compelled to follow the lead of his friends. Searching for the truth, he went to his trusted Christian mentor and this is what he heard. 

"Don't live any longer as the unbelievers do, for they are hopelessly confused.

Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

They have no sense of shame. 

They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

"But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 

"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."

Satisfied with this wisdom, he turned to the Holy Spirit to help him in his everyday walk. 

Who was this man?

I have no idea. 

Who was the Christian mentor?

The apostle Paul. (See Ephesians 4:17-24)

Isn't it interesting that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Paul could (and does) give that same advice to believers in the 21st century. But do we listen? Do we embrace his wisdom? 

Lord, renew our thoughts and attitudes through your Holy Sporit. Help us put on our new nature, created to be like You—truly righteous and holy.