priority to ensure that all aspects of our lives will be drawn from a right Christian status and then everything else follows rightfully. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 clearly describes what it means to be a Christian: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Here’s what we need to apply daily: our new life in Christ is an ongoing, daily process of examination, decision and confirmation of our relationship with Jesus, as Lord and Saviour.
First, a new life that is devoted
to Christ is a life fully devoted to Christ by reciprocating His love for us.
Thus, let us not say one thing and act another way by living according to the
world’s standard, thus making our profession of faith worthless. Next, a new
life that is experiencing renewal will act upon new set of godly principles, by
new rules, with new ends, and in new company of people. Consequently, the life
is created anew; the heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him.
Overall, a Christian is the new workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus to
do God’s purposes. (Ephesians 2:10)
Somebody said, “A new day signifies a new beginning; don't sit there and let that
opportunity pass you by. Accept each new day and make it better than yesterday.
Because yesterday doesn't matter as much as today does. Focus on the day ahead
and make it a day to remember not a day to regret.” What does the world
needs to see in every Christian believer of Christ? We need to exhibit three specific things: a)
changed character and conduct towards our view of God; b) changed character and
conduct towards our view of others; and c) changed character and conduct
towards our view of ourselves. Billy Graham, a renowned evangelist explains it
simply, “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous
conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like
Christ.” Here’s an interesting
comparison that Ian L. Wilson shared in this story that clearly described about
the new life in Christ: London
businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was
selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had
damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior. As
he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he
would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural
damage, and clean out the garbage. "Forget about the repairs," the
buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something
completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site."
After all is said and done, compared
with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are
as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become
God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has
come.). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the
permission to build. The only question that remains is this: Would we allow God
to have His way in our lives to do a rebuilding and not just a renovation? If
we can do it ourselves, we will not need Him but because we need Him, it is
very important to make an immediate decision that will change our life forever.
It is definitely in our hands to do so and I encourage you to make it happen.
Jesus made a decision to come for our sake, and in the same way, we need to
make our decision to come to Him as well. Try it and you will never be the same
again.
Let’s talk again!
