I Am New
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
There is something to be said about having something new. For example, when you get a new car, a new house, a new job, a new beginning, a new chance, etc., one experiences excitement and anticipation. As one embraces the “new,” there is an encounter with fresh and diverse experiences, which leads to different choices and opportunities. It leads to change and transformation.
For instance, an individual joins the Marines and goes to basic training. They entered boot camp as civilians. They think like civilians, dress like civilians, and even eat like civilians. But as they have entered a NEW career path, they are now in the process of being transformed from the old self (civilian) into the new self (Marine). Once out of basic training, the new self will now think like a Marine, dress like a Marine, and even eat like a Marine. They are Marines.
The same happens in the Kingdom of God. Anyone who believes in and receives Christ as their Lord and Savior is now a new creation, and the old man has passed away. No longer are we sinners and lost, but now we are found and sons of God. As we welcome our new identity, it opens the door to numerous opportunities. As sons of God, we now have a new purpose, a new destiny, new power, and a new beginning. We no longer see life from an old self-attitude, but now we see it from a new perspective given to us by Holy Spirit.
So, as you start your day, consider your identity and who you are. This Christmas, remember that Jesus was a gift sent to humanity because of the love God had for us. But this gift is only useful to those who receive it and embrace the newness it brings. Because of Him, I am new.