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One of the most beautiful promises of the Christian faith is that God does not require us to remain who we used to be. When we come to Christ, God begins a transforming work in us. We may still remember our past, but our past no longer defines our future. Paul tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” Notice he says Anyone. This promise is not reserved for people who have lived perfect lives. It is for anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ. You see, being a new creation doesn’t mean that everything in our lives change overnight. It does however mean that our relationship with God has changed, our identity has changed, and our direction has changed. God begins to work from the inside out.
The old does not have the final word. We all have an “old” that we would rather leave behind: mistakes, failures, regrets, unhealthy habits, disappointments, and seasons when we were far from God. Paul says, “The old has gone.” Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us to “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” In other words, God can and will take what was or is broken and begin to build something new. Your past may explain where you’ve been, but it does not determine where God can take you. The Christian Life is a life of transformation. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” God changes more than our behavior. He changes our thinking, desires priorities and our hearts. So, we should not become discouraged because we think we are not changing fast enough. Spiritual growth is a process. Philippians 1:6 gives us this assurance: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Our new identity is found in Christ. It is not determined by our failures, circumstances, titles, age, accomplishments or what people say about us. Galatians 2:20says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This means we don’t spend our lives trying to prove our worth. In Christ we belong to God. When God looks at us, he sees people who are being redeemed, restored, and transformed by his grace. We have a new purpose. God doesn’t make us new so we can feel better about ourselves. He makes us new so that our lives can become instruments of his love and purpose. Our testimonies, gifts, experiences have a purpose. If only to be an encouragement for someone else. God is NOT finished yet. We are still growing, healing, learning to forgive, and still discovering who God has called us to be. Accept our new identity in Christ Jesus. Remember that God is still working on us and that our lives have purpose. “Don’t let your yesterday introduce you to your tomorrow. In Christ, God has given you a new beginning.” Glory to God! Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie))
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