LIVING AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (part-16)

WHAT CHANGES WHEN A PERSON BECOMES A CHRISTIAN?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self
with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being
renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
(Colossians 3:9-10)

MEDITATION:
For those who don’t know the Lord as their Savior, there are a different
set of rules and expectations they have for themselves. As an example,
they can lie to others without having feelings of guilt or remorse. Why?
Because to them it’s not a sin and they can find reasons for justifying
their actions.

There are many other instances where the restraints of God are
non-existent, and consequently, people have many standards and
rules they’ve created for themselves which are based on their own
ideals (or those of others), but not God’s.

As Christians, we were at that same point, before we surrendered our
lives to the Lord. However, something unique happens when we become
true believers and followers of Jesus. The words “born again” make sense
to us because we now have a new set of standards to live by.

We consider our habits, thoughts, principles and actions from God’s point
of view rather than how we fit in with the rest of the world. We know that
our ‘old way’ of life leads to eternal separation from God, but our ‘new way’
of life leads to eternal bliss, and it motivates us to make changes.

Satan wants to ‘desensitize’ us to the reality of hell and its torment (which
shows his lack of concern for our welfare), but God wants to ‘sensitize’ us
to the splendor of Heaven (which shows His great love for us).
    The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some
    understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you,
    not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come
    to repentance.
    (2 Peter 3:9)

The scriptures tell us, ‘do not lie to each other’, which seems to imply that
that the world considers lying as normal and accepted. However, when
lying is permissible, dishonesty abounds. But when God says lying is not
permissible, followers of Jesus must make a conscious decision to avoid
dishonesty. There are many other “do not’s” that should become a part
of our ‘new life’ and as followers of Jesus, we must make some changes.

When we become Christians, it is the start of a transformation process that
creates a desire in us to increase our knowledge and thoughts of God (and
His desires). However, it is not a ‘one and done’ process, but a development
throughout our lives. It’s called ‘sanctification’, and is initiated by God to
purge us of unrighteousness and fill us with righteous habits and attitudes.

When we read the scriptures in Colossians, we see a good measurement
of whether we have sincerely surrendered to the Lord or not. “Taking off”
our old habits (thoughts, actions and attitudes) is an indication that we  
are “putting on” our ‘new self’ and developing a new righteous way of living.

Our ‘new self’ includes a burning desire to seek the Lord and know more
about Him. We want to think like He thinks and do the things He would
do if He were human. Our life and habits enter a new dimension. It is in
this new dimension, that we begin to realize genuine personal fulfillment,
meaning, purpose and joy in living.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – Have I ‘put on my new self’?
    – How much have I failed to surrender to the Lord?
    – Am I still lying, holding on to the tithes God has commanded me to
       give, failing to worship Him with others, holding on to some favorite
       sins, or anything else that indicate my ‘old self’ has remained?
    – How strong is my desire to discover fulfillment, purpose, and joy in living?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that I will
become a new person when I surrender my life to You.
Thank You for Your promise that You will create in me
new desires, practices, habits and attitudes that are good
and righteous. Thank You for how you will help me to
become less selfish and more selfless. Thank You for how
You will teach me to view others in a new way. I ask You
to take over every part of my life and draw me closer to
You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. I want to find You and
know You more, so I will find real fulfillment, purpose,
meaning, and joy in living now, and can look forward to
an eternity in Heaven with You!”

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