When Christ makes us new, it’s not just a fresh start. It’s a call to a transformed life of discipleship. The Bible tells us that in Christ, we are not just improving on our old self, but completely made new in Him. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 CSB. Being made new isn’t just about forgiveness but a radical transformation in how we live. This clear 180 degree turn around of life is easy to “check off” if you were already ‘morally good’ before coming to Christ. The hard truth is— being ‘morally good’ isn’t what Christ called us to. If all we think we have to do, as Christians, is go to church Sunday morning and live a ‘morally good’ life, we have completely missed what God has called us to!Let’s consider Paul. Before Christ, Paul was a persecutor of the church (Acts 8:3, 22:4). From the moment Paul was in Christ, his life had a radical change. He didn’t just start living a moral life— his entire life mission changed. He became and apostle (Romans 1:1), he counted his personal gain as a loss for Christ and his personal loss as Christ’s gain (Philippians 3:7), he suffered for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:24-25), even when he knew his earthly life was coming to an end, he fished his renewed life in faithfulness (2 Timothy 4:7).Colossians 3:1-10 is a wonderful passage for examine how we are made new in Christ. We must put off the old self and be renewed in the image of Christ— daily. Our renewal is ongoing. We are being renewed daily as we grow in Christ.So what does this mean for us? Renewal isn’t just about what we stop doing— it’s about actively pursing Christ. It’s about how we open our hearts to let God work through us.A new life in Christ requires sacrifice— offering our lives as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Sacrificing our time, energy, belongings and more, knowing that they belong to the Father.A new life in Christ requires obedience— denying ourself and daily taking up our cross to follow Him (Luke 9:23).A new life in Christ requires walking in light— living in a way that reflects truth and love (Ephesians 5:8-10). Walking through life in a way that others know Who we belong to.We aren’t just called to know we are made new, we must actually live it! Discipleship is ACTIVE. It affects our choices, relationships, priorities, and purpose. We must be DOERS of the word and not just hearers. “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). God makes us new, but a new creation requires a new way of living.What is an area of your life that is still refusing to be made new? Surrender it to God, and step into the new life He is calling you to!The journey of renewal is ongoing, but God is faithful to complete the work He started in us! (Philippians 1:6).
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for making all things new. Thank You for the gift of salvation and the renewal that comes through Christ. Help me to truly embrace the new life You have given me. Help me to leave behind my old ways and walk in the light of Your truth. Give me the strength to live as a disciple, to surrender my will for Yours, and to reflect Your love in all that I do.Transform my heart and mind so that I may not just hear Your Word, but live it out each day. May may life be a testimony to Your renewing power. I know that you are faithful to complete the work You have started in me.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
