Jump Start # 1090

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

  One of the great lessons of the New Testament is that when we become a follower of Christ, things change. We are not just adding Jesus to an already busy schedule and lifestyle, things are different. The change takes place within us and it affects everything about us. We are different. Friends ought to see that we are different. We are God’s new creation. Formed and fashioned by Jesus and molded to look like the Lord.

Christianity is not simply becoming nice people. It’s not polishing what is already there. It is a new creation. Christianity is not simply ironing out the wrinkles in our character. It’s not finding happiness. It’s not just being part of a nice church family. If that’s what we are after, then we have hit the ceiling and we fail to become what God intends. God is rebuilding our lives. He is creating a new person through Jesus is us. Newness of life…renewed thinking…new are all concepts that describe the work of God in us.

This is why an old cranky guy, can become thoughtful, thankful, helpful and generous. He’s different. He’s a new person. When we tolerate someone who is mean, selfish, stubborn, prejudice, opinionated as a church member, we are not doing anyone any good. That person has been fooled into thinking because he believes the right doctrine, he doesn’t have to change himself. How wrong that is. We do not help the church when we look the other way to ugly attitudes and wrong spirits that offend and drive people away. The old things, our verse tells us ought to pass away.

Old things: old way of doing things. Old ways of thinking. Old attitudes. Old stinginess. Old, not because of time and dates, but old because not acceptable to God. Old, meaning not right. Old, implying our way before Christ. Old, involving sin and selfishness. Gone are the old ways. Gone is the old man. Paul told the Galatians that he “crucified” himself and it was no longer he that lived, but Christ lived in him. Paul was a new creature.

We give up too easy with God. We accept the clichés such as, “You can’t teach an old dog, new tricks.” That simply means, I am not changing. This is the way I am and that’s it. WRONG. You can change. You are not a dog. You are made in the image of Christ. You, by your choice, can invite Christ in you and be that new person.

You can forgive, even though you may have never done that before.

You can have a heart of a servant, even though in the past you were selfish.

You can be thankful, even though in the past you took things for granted.

You can be spiritual, even though in the past you were very worldly.

You can be godly, even though in the past you were very sinful.

You can please God, even though in the past you broke His heart.

New. New choices. New friends. New habits. New way of doing things. The old ways didn’t work. The old ways got us in trouble with God. The old ways left us lost, hopeless and miserable. God’s way works. It is proven. It stands because He stands.

New creation…a new model…a new you. The new you sees things differently. You are more careful about your influence and the consequences of what you do. The new you is drawn to the spiritual more than ever before. The new you sees things from God’s perspective. Death looks differently from God’s side of things. Worship takes on a new look when you see it from God’s side of things.

New creation…a new you. Does that describe you? Are you working that way? Are you allowing God to work within you? Redeemed. Saved. Sanctified. Justified. Reconciled. Glorified. No, it’s not the same you. You are different in Christ. You are a new creation!

Roger