New- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
I remember reading this verse in high school and being blown away by the concept that I could be truly new. I also was working under the assumption that it had happened already.
The old has passed away, but what about when the new feels like it’s faltering? When the process of becoming holy seems to stall or even hit a standstill?
I have woken up with a sigh in my spirit longing for something new. Longing for excitement, for a change from the mundane of my daily life. Have you ever felt that?
Things become old quickly. Every moment falls behind into the past as we race on into the unknown future. We find newness—we are renewed—in the running. As we push on to follow Christ and His calling on our lives right where He has placed us, no matter how tedious our today may seem, we are being transformed. There is no sin with too tight a stranglehold or a habit too fixed that can stand against the power of the Spirit to shake off.
How then will you choose to live? The old has passed away, you need not be burdened by it anymore. Will you commit to the humble, hard work of being transformed? Of being made holy? Today, let’s commit to the newness of life and flourishing we are offered through living wholly committed to seeking Christ.
Your post reminds me of the partnership between God and us in this work of “keeping ourselves in the love of God.” He works and then enables our working, and we are new — every day. This is a great reminder on those days when I wish I could start over.
You’ve reminded me of a favorite Dallas Willard quote: “Grace is opposed to earning, not effort.” Have a great rest of your week!