Thought For The Day

New Life

In Christ the Father designed that all who come to faith would begin a “new life” that would be filled with all the fullness of the Godhead. Paul, the Apostle, speaks about that “new life” in Ephesians.

It is often called “putting off the ‘old man’ and putting on the ‘new man.’ So many of God’s people (if they are to be believed) are not very good at shedding the old and embracing the new. (see Ephesians 4:20ff)

Sometimes it seems like a parallel to me, or at least a good example, when I think of buying new Levi jeans. The new ones are bright and crisp. They look good, fit right, are without holes or worn places that are just short of needing a patch. But when we put them on, they just don’t feel “good.” They are not comfortable yet, like the old pair, which are supple, soft, and conformed to our body. And so, we lay the new pair aside whenever we can and pull on the old pair. The new  pair will get better with use, lots of washing, and a bit of age.

Believers often have a struggle laying aside those things which so easily beset them. Time in the Word of God, prayer, intimacy with Christ, entertwining with the family of God are difficult and demand commitment. If we are not very careful, we are apt to drag out the “old man” and slide easily back into our lethargy toward the things of God.

Paul reminds us that we must leave behind the “empty words and arguments,” the “participation in darkness,” the “failure to discern God’s design,” and “sleeping on the job.” (Ephesians 5: 8-14)

Our Father has given us “new life!” Live it!!

One Comment

  • Anonymous

    AMEN…Ultimately we forget (as you keep reminding us) that the Proof is in how we interact (or as you remind us we do not interact) with fellow believers.
    I want the new free life…everyday…but alas I do struggle with the rest, everyday.

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