A New Life
What happens to a person once they become a Christian by accepting the atonement of Jesus Christ? By repenting of their sins and receiving Him as their Savior?
Should we see a difference?
Should we be thinking differently?
Should we act differently?
What kinds of friends should we choose?
Paul wrote this in Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies -- presenting all your members and faculties -- as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world -- this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs. But be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind -- by its new ideals and new attitude -- so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in his sight for you.
We have a new life in Christ!
So we are to be transformed. New thinking, new people, new focus, new goals. We are no longer our own, we are bought with a price, the blood of the risen Lamb, shed for you and me that we might have salvation and eternal life. This great sacrifice deserves nothing but our greatest attention and highest goals. We are to be Christ-like, in all we say and do.
1 Peter 2:11-12 shows us one of the vital reasons we must persist in our new life in Christ.
Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that fight against your soul. People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.
Is your life a testimony to the transforming power of Christ?
If you are falling short, if you have not surrendered parts of yourself, then today is a new day. Get on your knees and ask God to forgive you and help you be a light to the world, transforming, strong in His Word and His power, and a joy to those who meet you. We have work to do, we cannot be self focused, selfish, or carnal (worldly minded) in our thinking. We are God's children now. Seek that which is good and rebuke that which is evil.
Dear God,
I ask you today to help us be honest about our shortcomings. Help us to see what we need to change and to do it, to have a desire to please you and be Godly in our lives. We only have this one life, let us make it count for you, and for all the souls that are lost and need you. That we may be a light shining with your glory, and full of your word that we may tell everyone the good news of Jesus Christ. That you loved us so much you sent your son to die for our sins.
How we praise you and give you glory. Help us to be all you would have us to be. Help us to change one step at a time, one day at a time. To lay aside our selfish desires, and seek your desire in all we say and do.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.
When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but also be interested in the lives of others. In your lives you must think and act like Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:3-5
Remember others are watching you, and their soul may depend on the example you set.
Millie Plastaras
What happens to a person once they become a Christian by accepting the atonement of Jesus Christ? By repenting of their sins and receiving Him as their Savior?
Should we see a difference?
Should we be thinking differently?
Should we act differently?
What kinds of friends should we choose?
Paul wrote this in Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies -- presenting all your members and faculties -- as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world -- this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs. But be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind -- by its new ideals and new attitude -- so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in his sight for you.
We have a new life in Christ!
So we are to be transformed. New thinking, new people, new focus, new goals. We are no longer our own, we are bought with a price, the blood of the risen Lamb, shed for you and me that we might have salvation and eternal life. This great sacrifice deserves nothing but our greatest attention and highest goals. We are to be Christ-like, in all we say and do.
1 Peter 2:11-12 shows us one of the vital reasons we must persist in our new life in Christ.
Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that fight against your soul. People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.
Is your life a testimony to the transforming power of Christ?
If you are falling short, if you have not surrendered parts of yourself, then today is a new day. Get on your knees and ask God to forgive you and help you be a light to the world, transforming, strong in His Word and His power, and a joy to those who meet you. We have work to do, we cannot be self focused, selfish, or carnal (worldly minded) in our thinking. We are God's children now. Seek that which is good and rebuke that which is evil.
Dear God,
I ask you today to help us be honest about our shortcomings. Help us to see what we need to change and to do it, to have a desire to please you and be Godly in our lives. We only have this one life, let us make it count for you, and for all the souls that are lost and need you. That we may be a light shining with your glory, and full of your word that we may tell everyone the good news of Jesus Christ. That you loved us so much you sent your son to die for our sins.
How we praise you and give you glory. Help us to be all you would have us to be. Help us to change one step at a time, one day at a time. To lay aside our selfish desires, and seek your desire in all we say and do.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.
When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but also be interested in the lives of others. In your lives you must think and act like Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:3-5
Remember others are watching you, and their soul may depend on the example you set.
Millie Plastaras
No comments:
Post a Comment