A Changed Life

Have you met the Lord? Do you know Him? Have you allowed Him into your life so that you do live a changed life? Let's be honest with ourselves, not many of us have the ability to change... at least not graciously. I know people who will studiously avoid change - even when it's to their benefit. It's almost like the old phrase, 'the devil you know'. Never made much sense, then again if change is something to be 'feared' then the easiest path is to maintain rather than change.

When it comes to us, our lives, especially our spiritual life - change is the way we grow. Remember the suggestions of WE put off the old man and put on the new... WE renew our minds... WE become transformed, changed. BUT, this is not done TO us, it's something we are involved in, embrace

   "... that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]." [Ephesians 4:22-24]

That's the exchange. And it never done apart from our choosing this. A changed life is a demonstration, witness of a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - with Jesus who willingly died and rose again so that He is the first among many brethren (Romans 8:29) that in our acceptance of His free gift of salvation/born again/new life we can become part of the Father's family. Apart from accepting Jesus' gift we are lost, we can never be good enough - it took a spotless lamb, a man who chose to be our substitute. 

On the face of it, it would seem that a belief in the Savior of the world would be a no-brainer. Yet it is. Our atonement as a gift for eternal life with the Creator of the world will always be astonishing. Perhaps it's fear of what we'd have to give up? Giving up what Solomon called vanities, things that have no meaning in exchange for everything that does. 

A changed life isn't something that's thrust upon us, being saved doesn't mean we become robots. We were created with a mind and free will which would seem to debunk the idea that we become mindless nothings. We are invited into the Father's Business (2 Timothy 4:2). We don't do the saving, we do the prep work of demonstrating how our lives changed because of our acceptance of a gift. We use both words and actions that give 'proof'. 

Also, a changed life doesn't occur overnight. It takes time, study, activities, growth... it means applying ourselves, it means putting off the old and putting on the new (BOTH need to occur). But this isn't an alone and arduous journey. With you constantly is our Triune God - helping, directing, leading, teaching - but it is always up to us to take the time to let the Lord's hand rest upon us. In all this remember Paul's words:

   " I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3:14-15]

Be pleased about but never complacent about your changed life. If it took Paul all the time he needed... we'll need time too. Besides... it's more of a process than a destination.