Born for a New Life

"We were therefore buried with him

through baptism into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead

through the glory of the Father,

we too may live a new life."

Romans 6:4

When I was younger, I read a Stephen King novel called, "Pet Sematary."  The characters in this horror story learn of an ancient Micmac burial ground near their home where they foolishly bury their recently deceased pet cat.  The resurrected feline later returns home but is not quite the same: There is an unpleasant odor emanating from her body, her fur is disheveled, she seems to have developed a penchant for killing and tearing about small prey without consuming the flesh and her behavior is just plain strange.  Things go downhill from there.

Although I am not recommending this book or the practices found within, the premise is an interesting one: new life brings new characteristics.  While the change in temperament and personality of the "reborn" cat was disturbing, those that come from a new life through faith in Jesus are positive and godly.

As one who has been born again in Christ, I don't have to live the way I used to live.  Instead, I can live a new life! (John 3:3)

Led by the Spirit

Her life was busy and filled with many church activities.  She hungrily consumed all the Christian literature she could find, seeking to learn all she could about living for God.  Her desire to please Him drove her to say "yes" to every request for help from the church.  Even though her family complained that they missed her and the children cried when she left them with a sitter for the fifth time in a week, she felt the need to do her best for God.

This woman's zeal is misplaced.  Instead of being passionate about her relationship with Christ, she is nearly fanatical about her service for Him.  It is easy to find myself in this same predicament when I replace my devotion to Jesus and a desire to follow Him with a performance-based mentality.

Jesus noticed this same pattern occurring in the church at Ephesus.  He said that while they were very industrious, enduring trouble patiently, standing firm for the truth and enduring patiently, they have forgotten their first love: Christ.  (paraphrased from Revelation 2:1-4)

Jesus is to be the catalyst that drives my life.  As Oswald Chambers reminded, "We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings.  Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?"

If I am motivated by my own conscience, doing what I think I ought to do as a "good Christian," then I have forsaken my first love.

If I seek to do my best for God but leave Him out of the picture, then I have forsaken my first love.

If I am driven by guilt, jumping from activity to activity in order to make up for my sins, then I have forsaken my first love.

If Jesus is the Lord of my life and I aim to worship Him in the way that I live, then I will do only what He puts in my path as I follow Him and freely accept the love He has for me.

My new life in Christ inspires me to turn from my own plans, common sense and rationale, instead following my new lord: Jesus.

Created Anew

I enjoy watching makeover shows, whether it is a house, clothing style or way of life that is being renovated: Watching the old, unattractive, unhealthy stuff being removed and witnessing the transformation to the new is fascinating.  It's great to see how much of an improvement to someone's well-being a change can bring.

When I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, dedicating my life to Him, I undergo a kind of makeover. Instead of using paint, shopping sprees and strenuous exercise, however, God initiates the change supernaturally through His Spirit. (Ephesians 4:22-24)  Although my new creation is from God, I must let go of the old and bring in the new: it doesn't happen automatically.

If I continue in my old way of thinking, giving into worry, lust or deceitful thoughts, I am failing to shed my former skin.  Sin is no longer my only choice: I now have Jesus who will give me power to take captive every thought to glorify God.  (2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8)

If I stay in my comfortable former pattern of seeking pleasure by giving in to overeating, worldly entertainment or obsessive social media, I am choosing to stay in my fleshly ways.  These sins need hold me no longer since I have the option of gaining my satisfaction in Jesus. (Psalm 37:4)

If I still make decisions based on what I think is right, using my own understanding, advice from others or selfish ambition to spur me along, I am acting as if I'm my own boss.  This old way is not my only alternative, as I now know the One who holds the blueprint for my life.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Instead of living to myself and what makes me happy, I now can take on my new mission; to glorify God by doing the good He has prepared especially for me to do!  (Ephesians 2:10)

My new life in Christ comes with a fresh purpose that brings new meaning to my days.

Knowledgeable in God

I read about an incident where a pastor was asked how he came to know God.  He said, "Son, I was driving down the road one day and heard birds chirping, and I knew then, I knew God." (from Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay, pg 103)

While nature does give us insight into God's presence and character, it is not the same as actually getting to know Him personally through faith in Jesus Christ.  When I belong to Him through faith, I acquire a desire to know Him better.  The basics of my faith, drives me forward into His kingdom where I learn to live in a way that honors God.

When circumstances seem impossible as the bills mount, relationships crumble and grief threatens to engulf, I can live joyfully due to the hope I have in my God who is able.  All resources are at His disposal, no heart is too hard for Him to soften and comfort is His specialty. (Psalm 50:10, Psalm 51:10-12, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

When affliction comes, bringing with it fear and uncertainty, I will find courage at my disposal to move forward as I remember the fruit of persecution. (Hebrews 10:32-36, Romans 5:3-5)  From this suffering comes patient and unswerving endurance, maturity of character, and hope in eternity.  These are benefits gained nowhere else but in the school of difficulties.

For the times when I feel like giving up, I will stand firm in prayer, witnessing the hand of God as He moves in response to my pleas.  My faith grows as I see the ways He comes through, consistently meeting my needs and answering my prayers. (James 5:16)

My new life in Christ leads to a knowledge of God that brings with it the tools to live a godly life.

Thankfully, the transformation that occurs in my life as I begin anew in Christ is not like what was experienced in Stephen King's thriller.  Instead, I can choose to be led by God's Spirit, take on my new identity and take seriously the knowledge God gives me about His kingdom.  In this way I will truly see how I was born for a new life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will choose to pay attention to God's lead.

When do I go my way, ignoring God's teachings.

How am I doubting in God's ability to provide for my needs? 

Evidence of Grace

"The Lord's hand was with them,

and a great number of people believed 

and turned to the Lord.

News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem,

and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God,

he was glad and encouraged them all

to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."

Acts 11:21-23

This world is evil.  Every time I read the newspaper, log onto the Internet, or turn on the television, I'm bombarded with confirmation of the darkness that seems to prevail.  Murder, scandal, corruption, immorality of every imaginable kind, abuse, greed and apathy rule the headlines and run rampant in the lives of those around me.  It's easy to get discouraged, thinking there is nothing good in all the world.

The truth, however, shows me that there is evidence of the grace of God all around me.  Every breath I take is a gift from my Father in heaven, the giver of all good things.  He fills the world with beauty simply to give me joy.  The laughter of children, love between a husband and wife, and hope for eternal life available through the precious gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ all stand as proof of the Creator's kindness and mercy.

Perhaps the most powerful proof of God's benevolence is in the way He moves in the hearts of the ones He created in His own image.  Witnessing His supernatural work in the lives of people is a call to remain true to the Lord in the way I live my life.  But how do I do this?

Grace

I am a woman, wife, mother, friend, writer, teacher and encourager, but the one piece of my identity that I must constantly keep at the forefront of my mind is that I'm a sinner saved by grace.  Forgetting this vital part of who I am leads to judgementalism, arrogance and Pharisaical thinking.  

The Pharisees were a group of Jewish men during the time Jesus lived on earth as a human who were considered to be experts in the law God gave to Moses, and zealously enforced the keeping of that law.  They probably thought they were helping others to do what God had said to do, but in their enthusiasm, they lost sight of the God whom they should have been trying to please.  Instead, they became convinced of their own piousness and were sensitive only to the sins of those around them.  

As a result, Pharisees were criticized by Jesus for their hypocritical, shallow and religious ways. (Matthew 23:13-36)  In order for me to guard against this kind of natural progression in my attitude, I must keep my true identity in mind:  Without Jesus, I am simply a sinner destined for Hell who is unable to do anything good and am powerless to save myself.

Jesus, who is God in the flesh and worthy of all honor and praise, is to be exalted through all the nations, deserves to remain in His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father and receive all respect and glory.  Instead, He came to earth as a mere baby, born as a lowly carpenter's son and grew into a man who was easy to overlook; common and homely.  (Isaiah 53:2-3)

Even though Jesus knew that the treatment He would receive from those He created would be cruel and bring nothing but sorrow, He came anyway.  He lowered Himself to such a humble position in order obey the Father He loved.  (Philippians 2:5-11)

In the same way, I am to think of obeying God above all things.  Keeping a humble attitude by remembering my true identity is key in developing a heart that wants to please God through obedience.

I can remain true to the Lord by keeping an attitude of humility as I remember my dependence on the grace of God.

Faithful

It is said that dog is man's best friend.  As the owner of two Lab-mixes, I can see why this saying became prevalent.  A dog is faithful to a fault, staying true to his master even unto death.  I have heard of a dog standing guard at his owner's gravesite, unwilling to move from the side of his friend.  Canine loyalty and devotion is legendary.

I can learn something from my doggy friends.  Remaining faithful to Jesus as the author and perfecter of my faith is fundamental to my ability to please God.  (Hebrews 12:2)  I just can't please Him in my own effort.  I can try to produce fruit, but change that lasts only comes from Him. (Galatians 6:22-23) I can work hard to convince others of the truth of the Gospel, but no one can see their need for Jesus apart from the Father's influence.  (John 6:44)  I can study the Bible all the days of my life, but until I'm led by His Spirit, it just won't make sense. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

God is a powerful God who has accomplished amazing feats of wonder.  The most amazing deed He has completed is to reconcile sinful man to Himself; a holy, righteous God.  He did the impossible through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ.  In so doing, He made a way for me to receive all that He has planned for my life if I'll only faithfully walk with Him.

As Oswald Chambers said, "All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant."  He has already done His part.  All that is left is for me to accept His invitation and join with Him.  When I do this, I will see transformation that could never occur apart from Him.

I can remain true to the Lord by staying faithful to Jesus Christ as my bridge to Him and the source of true power in my life.

Focus

One of my daughters is a college student who has a hard time keeping on task.  She has many interests that can distract her from the job of studying and completing assignments.  To help her stay focused, she makes a written plan for each day and refers to it often.

It's not so different for me in my walk with the Lord.  There are relationships, jobs, duties, hobbies and pastimes that can draw my attention away from Him.  It's easy for me to get off track as I chase a new interest or pursue an activity that brings pleasure.  Other times I'm thrown off with worries that send me down a path of seeking security.  Then there are the times I just get plain ambitious in trying to make a name for myself or to succeed in my career.  Whatever the means, the result is the same: My attention is diverted from my One True Love.

Staying true to my calling and keeping on task means I'll have to readjust my focus.  If I'm paying attention to the outcome of my effort, the things that I need, or the problems that life brings, I'll wander away from the Lord.  But if I keep my mind tuned to God's kingdom, He'll take care of producing fruit, providing for needs and solving issues while I grow closer to Him.  (Matthew 6:33)

The Apostle Paul knew there was nothing worth pursuing in life that was worth his time apart from staying true to what Christ had called Him. (Acts 20:24)  Anything else was considered to be a waste.

I can remain true to the Lord by keeping focused on God's Kingdom and what He is calling me to do.

Even though I live in a dark world, the evidence of God's grace is all around me, if I'll only pay attention.  Once I do, I'll be inspired to stay true to My Love by remembering I'm saved by grace, stay faithful to Jesus, and do whatever it takes to keep my focus on His kingdom.  It is then that the evidence of grace will also be written all over my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be encouraged by God's mighty hand.

When do I forget who I am and start to focus only on the sin of others?

How am I easily drawn away from Jesus?