New Start, New Me
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Question: Have you ever wanted a new start?
As with any new year, most people start it off with resolutions to improve upon themselves. From exercising more, to better diets, to reading more books, people are setting goals to help become better version of themselves. Did you know that there is a day called “Quitters’ Day?” It is the second Friday of January and it is the day by which most New Year’s resolutions are over for people. (Thanks Apple Watch Commercial for this little tidbit).
What a bummer! At best people stay committed to a new improved version of themselves for a maximum of about 14 days. I know many Christians create spiritual resolutions. Praying more, reading the Bible everyday, attending Church services more regularly and more. Here’s the problem with resolutions, too many times they require self-discipline. For many of us, self-discipline is not something we are particularly good at doing. We need accountability, we need outside strength from another source.
“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NLT
- Changed Perspective
The first step we take is a changed perspective. Christianity isn’t about reading the Bible, praying wonderful prayers, or attending church services. It is about a transformation of our mindset and our hearts. Romans 12:1 encourages that we transform our minds for then we will know the true and right way of worship before the Lord. Jesus encouraged the disciples in his teachings multiple times that God is more worried about the heart's position than the ability to act in or say certain things. One of my favorite statements I have heard from the pulpit is if you want to make certain changes, change your perspective from yourself to God.
Too many times Christians fail in their religious resolution due to the fact they are doing things that are human controlled and not Holy Spirit controlled. I encourage you to change your routine. Turn on worship music, whether it be hymns or modern. Look to turn your focus on God rather than checking off boxes on your Christian to-do list.
2. Changed You
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, and a new life has begun." What a wonderful statement that is made in this passage. If you belong to Christ you are a new creation. In Christian circles, we are called born again. With you becoming a new creation this means a new life, new standards, new emotional regulation, and changed perspective. The life we had in the past was self-centered and self-seeking. The new life that we have in Christ is about being Jesus-centered and Jesus-seeking. The closer we get to God the further we get away from sin.
The transformation for any Christian is both instantaneous and gradual. It is a process and as with any process it requires submission to the goal and denial of self. Jesus tells us that if anyone wants to come after Him that he must deny himself and pick up his own cross. The changed you will require you dying to your flesh and pursuing a life in the Holy Spirit.
Where so many Christians fall short is they forget that God is a trinity and we don't fully utilize the third portion of God, His Holy Spirit. If you want change, get in tune with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit will always point back to Jesus's teaching, which means the Holy Spirit will always point you to God.
Today will be the first part of the New Year's Resolution series. We will look at different parts of God's Word that will help us draw closer to Him and pursue a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the Lord.
God Bless,
Nicholas Engleman
As always, if you have any questions about Jesus or this devotional, you can contact me by email at nengleman902@gmail.com, or by phone at 417-808-1049.
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