An incomplete knitted jumper

Many times recently God has instructed me not to talk ill of anyone behind their back. I have been finding this difficult to achieve and to be honest, it is because I am not applying myself to it diligently enough. This image of an incomplete jumper reminds me of one I started knitting many years ago. I have not been devoted to completing the jumper. However, shouldn't I be committed to the new attitude of mind God wants me to have, such as not speaking ill of another, and not just cast it aside as of no importance? "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". (Ephesians 4:22-24).