Two-minute read.
When we submit our lives to Jesus, our old self dies, and a new one begins. We become attached to the Savior’s transformational power as His Spirit takes up residence in us.
Ron and I got married in August of 2012. When I committed my life to him, I became a new creation. No longer single, we merged our lives together, becoming one. If Ron hurts, I hurt, and vice versa. Our old lives have passed away, no longer the same person. The more I become one with my husband, the more distant my old, single life becomes.
In the same way, when we merge our lives with Christ and allow Him to take control of our words and actions, we become a new person. Jesus teaches us to forgive instead of retaliate. Through His word, we learn to center our thoughts on the Savior and pick up the cross He has for us to bear. Our old lives grow dim as we embrace the new path God leads us down.
Christ doesn’t improve our life or upgrade it; He gives us a completely new one. We no longer have an identity rooted in our past, or failures, or even our former selves. Giving the Lord authority over our lives breaks the hold sin once had on us. Immediately, God begins changing our desires and thinking as we align our hearts with His.
Our foundation for our lives changes when we give our lives to Jesus. We don’t attain instant perfection, but we live from the new person He made us. No longer does our past define us; instead, we find our identity in Christ. And that identity comes with the eternal hope that awaits us when the Lord calls us home.
Reflection:
What part of your “old self” are you still holding onto that no longer belongs to who you are now?
Joy Thought:
Each day, God unfolds more newness into your life.
