Monday, August 23, 2021
The apostle Paul describes the transforming power of following Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. (CEV)
There was a chorus we used to sing in the 60’s, “Things are different now, something’s happened to me, since Jesus came into my heart!” Have you ever wished you could have a life transplant?? I mean despite your best efforts . . . your life seems to be in a nosedive . . . Would you be surprised to know you can start fresh? Transformation is at the heart of becoming a Christ-follower: it’s not just a fresh coat of paint, or simply changing out old furniture and appliances for new – you become a “new creation”.
The chains of old habits can be broken, old thought patterns can be done away with, and peace and joy from God become daily companions! Albert Barnes wrote, “There is no other moral change that takes place on earth so deep, and radical, and thorough as the change at conversion.” When you look in the mirror in the morning, it will still be you, but watch for a light in the eye that once was dull, and a readiness to smile where once there was none!
Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.