SHEDDING YOUR SKIN

“Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT

       It’s a lot easier for us to accept that Christ died for us then it is to believe that our old nature must die.  Many times we like the way we are and see no harm in continuing on just the way things were before we received Christ.  It is as we begin to read God’s word and place our focus on the things of God that we see the reason why the old nature can no longer stay around.  Christ’s blood has purchased us a new life apart from the old one.  Things begin to look different around us.  Our thought life becomes altered.  If we truly wish to please God with our life then a gradual transformation begins to take place.  The old man is dies and the new man is emerging.  Once redeemed, God sees us as righteous and holy, because He sees us thru the blood of Jesus.  In reality, spiritual maturation is progressive. 

       The Corinthian believers are the ones who feel that they can say and do whatever they please. That is what they believe spiritual freedom truly is. Paul makes sure they understand that while it is true that they can most certainly say and do as they please, not all things are beneficial or constructive.¹ So it makes absolute sense that he would incorporate in his letter the idea that we are no longer to live for self. 

       Once a person received Christ into their life a change is supposed to take place.  There is an ember that needs to be fanned.  Additional kindling needs to be added to cause the ember to ignite into a flame for Christ. If we continue to live for ourselves, never incorporating God into every facet of our lives, we are missing the point of salvation altogether.  It’s not just about forgiveness, but about living a peaceful, fulfilling life filled with hope for the future and beyond.  Shed your old skin and walk in the will of God, leaving the dead carcass of your old life behind.  It’s what God knows will benefit you most in this life.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

¹ 1^st Corinthians 6:12 & 10:23