Forever Changed

    What is it that really counts in life?  As believers in Jesus Christ we are challenged to make this discovery when we take “the newness test”.  II Corinthians 5:17 explains, “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside.  He is not the same anymore.  A new life has begun.”

Are you in the process of becoming new through and through?  Every area of our personality, thinking, or lifestyle should be open to a major overhaul.  Isn’t it time to ask if we have been forever changed?   Colossians 3:10 tells us what that change looks like.  “You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you.” Being empowered by Christ from start to finish rules out trying to gain God’s favor through being a good person and doing good works.  But rather we willingly ask that Jesus live His life through us.  Becoming brand new is not an improvement program but people radically transformed in every area of living.

As  new creations we say goodbye to the old way of living life and embrace a truly startling reversal from how we used to live.  This is the challenge of Christ’s message.  “If you have really heard his voice and learned from him the truths concerning himself, then throw off your old evil nature.  Now your constantly changing for the better.  Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.”  Ephesians 4:21 Where once we lied, stole, used bad language, or vented our anger on others, we now tell the truth, do honest work, and use our words to build up those around us.  We enjoy displaying kindness and true compassion for the hurting.  We are committed to a life of forgiving, first ourselves, then the people we know.  When we imitate Christ love guides our life.

As a new creation in Christ we are renewed, restored, and reborn into God’s family.  Through the beauty of a renewed mind and heart we are forever changed.  Friends, does your life show God’s transformation?  As we join together with believers all around the world, may you be one that discovers a life that truly counts.
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God’s Reflection

God’s message is best displayed through a changed heart as well as a daily changing life.  We are His Good News bearers.  We carry the torch.  Matthew 5:14 “You are the world’s light, a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see.”  Our lives are also to be the reflection of God’s truth and the expression of God’s character.  So what is this daily change so requisite,so crucial to being an effective Christian witness?  John 4:17-19 reveals this most important change that gives every Christian credibility.  Jesus prayed, “Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.  As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world and I consecrate myself to meet their need for growth in truth and holiness” Living Bible.  Do we really want to be an effective Christian witness?  Then we must answer the call to purity, no purity, no power.  May this wonderful song become our prayer.  “Holiness, holiness is what I long for.  Holiness is what I need.  Holiness, holiness is what you want from me.  Take my heart and form it.  Take my mind transform it.  Take my will conform it to yours, to yours, Oh Lord”