WHO IS MANAGING YOUR LIFE?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
(Galatians 5:24)

MEDITATION:
We have heard people tell us that when we surrender our life to the Lord,
we will be changed! Changed? That can arouse all kinds of questions in
our minds, can’t it? What exactly does it mean to be changed?

For one thing, it means that we have an entirely new attitude and
new purpose for living. The strength and power of sin that’s been
controlling our lives has been broken. It may not have been totally
obliterated, but it is no longer in control of everything we do, think
and say. Our life is under new management that’s guiding us toward
righteousness, and away from unrighteousness.

In the blink of an eye, we begin to consider others in a completely new
way. We begin a process of transitioning toward selflessness. We develop
a better understanding of the unusual peace and joy we have read about
in God’s Word. It may be difficult to adequately describe this new feeling
to others, but when it’s there, we know it!

Old habits and sinful ways will continue striving to regain control, but we
have a new power that helps us fend off the threats. When we surrender
our lives to the Lord, we are given an advocate (the Holy Spirit) who helps
us transform from who we are, to the person God wants us to be. We also
discover how invigorating it is to get to know the Lord better, and to feel
His presence and power in our lives.

He was crucified for us, and in turn, we have chosen to crucify our sinful
nature for Him. He proved His love for us, and since we are less attracted
to, and controlled by, our sinful nature, we can block out the noise from
Satan, and learn to love the Lord more every day.

Jesus obeyed our Father; He taught us the importance of obedience and
how it can impact us and others. Jesus has an intimately close fellowship
with our Heavenly Father, and because we were changed, we now have a
greater desire to grow closer in our relationship with God.
    And without faith it is impossible to please God, because
    anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
    that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
    (Hebrews 11:6)

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – What about me? Has my life been changed – really changed?
    – What things can I point out that indicate I have been changed?
    – Have I crucified my sinful nature?
    – Do I have a new attitude toward others?
          Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being
          united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any
          common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and
          compassion then make my joy complete by being
          like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit
          and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition
          or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
          yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each
          of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships
          with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
          (Philippians 2:1-5)

It’s not about how we are perceived by others, it is all about our
relationship with the Lord. If God has changed us, not only will
others notice it in our overall countenance, but they can detect a
change in our attitude, focus, priorities, and what we say and do.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan of salvation. Jesus,
thank You for allowing Yourself to be crucified so I can have the
opportunity to crucify my sinful nature. Teach me how to block
out the temptations of my sinful nature so I can grow closer to
You, and enjoy the presence of You and our Father in my life.
I want to fully experience the peace and joy available for those
living close to You. Help me to allow a complete change to take
place in my life, so I will be more righteous and less selfish. Help
me to embrace the transformation as You sanctify my life. Thank
You for how You will be guiding me through the changes I need
to make. Lord, I depend on the strength You provide for me to
continually achieve victory over the assaults from the evil one.”

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