SHED YOUR OLD SELF

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”  Ephesians 4:21-24

       It is a special day when we give our life over to Christ.  The angels in heaven rejoice (Luke 15:7, 10) when one soul is saved from hell.  The truth you have come to know regarding Christ has vaulted you from your old life to a new life.  Your future with Christ becomes a situation where the more you put into the new relationship, the stronger your faith will become.  Your former lifestyle should fade into the background and your new nature should burst forth with a zeal that is fueled by God’s Holy Spirit.  It all depends on how determined you are to please God and live for him going forward.

       Many folks make an initial commitment, then become lazy and simply don’t make the effort to grow spiritually.  They then fall prey to time restraints and the seemingly innocent appointments that crop up, keeping them from church services.  The devil will keep you plenty busy if you are looking for reasons to live a lukewarm life as a believer.

       Your new nature should be one that shines forth with the love and mercy of the Lord, as you grow progressively stronger for the kingdom.  Your life can involve things outside the spiritual realm of course, but whatever draws most of your time and attention reveals to others what is most important to you.  Throw off your old nature like you would old, dingy rags and put on the righteous, holy new creature that salvation introduces.  Allow the Lord to lead and guide you down the narrow path of his choosing.  This world is not your friend.  The only one who doesn’t ever forsake you and is always willing to be forgiving and merciful is God.  Life with him is far more loving, constructive and beneficial that making the choice to serve him becomes rather easy.  Choose wisely what path you will follow.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Note:  The NEW LIVING TRANSLATION was used in this devotional; publisher – Tyndale House.