Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11–21
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17
There is something about following Jesus, inviting Jesus into our lives, and living by Jesus’ example that remakes us in important ways. When commit ourselves to living in relationship to Jesus, we become new. Our self-centered, self-absorbed, and sinful lives are converted into lives that focus on the needs and concerns of others. We are transformed from self-interested creatures into people whose primary interest has something to do with the interests of God. This is not to say that we become perfect people—by no means! But, with Jesus, our orientation and the course on which we find ourselves in life has us pointed in the right direction. Following Jesus is just better than following our own selfish instincts and desires. That new beginning we long for can be had when we get into Christ more than we are into ourselves.
Do you long to be made new?
Lord, I want to be made new. I hear so many people who believe they are good people who focus on making good decisions. I just do not have that kind of confidence in my own righteousness. I know I am flawed and sinful and on a path that is less than ideal. I am so very tired of following my own whims and fancies. I want something more, something profoundly new, something only You can provide. I want to be a new creation, Your creation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.