Living the New Life
Most of us remember the day when we accepted Jesus. It changed your life, didn’t it? Are you still living that new life? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking about your salvation.
I’m asking if the things of heaven are still high on your mind. Or, do you get bogged down with thoughts about the things happening around you?
Look what Paul told us in Colossians.
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is John 17. This entire chapter consists of Jesus praying for His disciples and for us. In this chapter, He prayed the following.
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:15-16
So we are in this world but not of the world. Peter gave a warning in his first epistle for us to stay away from worldly desires. Those desires can go well beyond blatant sin.
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11
If we are just temporary residents, then what are we to do? Peter also addressed that in just a couple of verses prior.
You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
How We Should Live this New Life in Christ
I have an illustration I believe will help. A few years ago, my brother and sisters and I, rented a house in Florida. It was for the celebration of our parents’ 50th anniversary.
We stayed at that house for a week and I have to say, it was quite nice. We slept in its beds, swam in its pool, watched its TVs, and cooked in its kitchen.
The house though wasn’t ours and we didn’t pretend it was. In fact, we treated it better than if it belonged to us. Then at the end of the week, we left the house clean and vacant.
During our stay in Florida, things weren’t as convenient as being in our own homes. We, however, stayed content because discontentment would have likely ruined our trip.
Usually, people experience discontentment because they don’t have something they want or think they need. When living our life in Christ, He said He would meet all our needs.
So, our family lived as temporary residents in Florida for a time. Maybe each of us should live our lives in the same way, understanding that we are just passing through.
Since we are just temporary residents and foreigners, Peter said we must live honorably for the Lord.
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12
How ARE You Living Your Life?
Do you agree that this world is not our home? Do you believe we are pilgrims on a journey? If you said yes, do you actually live that way? Paul told us how we can.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1
Living our life anew in Christ gives us a new perspective on life. Why, because we believe in the realities of heaven. Look what happens when we live in that manner.
And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:4
Paul said in our verse for today, For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Because of this statement, we must make a decision.
We either die to ourselves and hide ourselves in Christ. Or we live our sinful lives and stand alone. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!
Lord, thank you for our new life that you gave us for living in this world to please you.
How are you living? Check out these related posts.
- Unashamedly Living The Tough Truths Of The Gospel
- Enjoying The Benefits Of Living A Godly Life
- Here Is The Truth About Those Living Ungodly Lives
- How To Present Your Body As A Living Sacrifice
- Are You Living Under The Shadow Of His Wings
- To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice
- Enjoy Life To The Fullest
Take time to read all of Colossians 3.
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