ARE THE DOLDRUMS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS OF LIFE DRAGGING YOU DOWN?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 
The old has gone, the new is here! 
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

MEDITATION:
The scriptures remind us that when we are ‘in Christ’, we become new creations.
Our old ways, habits and attitudes have been replaced with new ones.
We have gone through a transformation that is in essence, a renewal process.
It is an exhilarating experience 
that lifts us out of the doldrums of life, and gives us a new 
purpose for living that is filled with an unusual peace and joy.
We now have a new and everlasting hope which creates in us a new perspective.

No longer are we dragged down by a negativity that sucks the joy and happiness 
from us, but we have been given a new positivity that sees the glass half full
(when we think about the blessings being ‘in Christ’, 
our glass is not only more than half full, it is overflowing).
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5)

How could all of this happen? 
How is it possible for us to be showered with 
unbelievable and undeserved blessings which improve our zest for living?
It was the result of an act by our Lord and Savior who openly displayed His 
undeniable and magnificent love for all people, and every individual.
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live   
for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
(2 Corinthians 5:15)

Once we realize what He did for us, we no longer 
have a desire to live a selfish life that is all about ourselves.
Our desires have been changed so that 
we now want to live a life of gratitude for what Christ did for us.

Not only does our relationship with the Lord change,
but we are also transformed in our relationships with others.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 
Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 
(2 Corinthians 5:16)

Instead of viewing others from a worldly perspective that is filled with 
contempt, jealousy, envy, and other ways that are not ‘Christ-like’,
we learn to love others in a new way – one that is more like Christ loves us.
We remember that every individual has been created by God, 
and it causes guilt in us whenever we praise Him, 
but show disdain for His creations. 

Although we may disapprove of the actions of others, 
we should not allow their mistakes to dilute our love for them.
The One we follow warns us
that the measuring stick we use to judge others will be used on us as well.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) 

It makes sense that we shouldn’t be judgmental of others, doesn’t it?
As our Creator, only God can read the heart and mind of people, 
so He is the only One qualified to pass judgment on individuals.
Our responsibility is to love others as He loves us.
That can only happen when we have been effectively 
and sincerely transformed by what Jesus did for us on the cross. 

ACTION:
Have you experienced the promised transformation of being ‘in Christ’?
How would you answer if someone asked you, 
“What is different about you since you have decided to follow the Lord?”
We should all be prepared to give an answer – it is our testimony.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for what Your Son did on the cross for 
me. Thank You for my transformation which resulted from what He 
did, and for my intentional commitment to follow Him. Help me to 
be prepared to share my testimony with others; to be able to tell them 
how my life has changed as a result of my decision to follow the Lord. 
Remind me of the magnitude of His sacrifice and the depth of His love 
for me. I pray that this remembrance will continue transforming me 
into a new person who has discarded the old and embraced the new.”

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