You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.
Into the Text
In Christ, you can change. You are made new. That means you don’t have to think as you once used to. God is powerful enough to transform you from the inside out, and that includes transforming your mind and the thoughts that run through it. You are no longer a slave to your old ways of living and thinking. Because of Jesus, you can look ahead to a new and better future.
But don’t get discouraged if the change takes time. God’s transformational work doesn’t all happen overnight, but it is a process, and often a painful one. Our old, sinful self needs to be put to death every single day as we surrender to God’s Spirit to do the transforming work within us. Some of our old habits and thought patterns can take months, even years to change. Just remember, the timeline isn’t what’s important; what matters is our obedience as we grow to look more and more like Jesus.
So, embrace your new identity in Christ and, as you do, become a living testimony of His love and grace, shining a light in the darkness and showing others that God can change anybody. Let your life become a glorifying, grace-colored canvas upon which God paints the most beautiful story of redemption and restoration, letting others know that they, too, can live lives full of grace and freedom in Christ if they choose to live their lives set apart for God. Gone is your former way of life. You are created new in Christ. Embrace your new beginning.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to embrace my new identity and live in the freedom You offer, shining Your light for all to see. Amen.