The New You!

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:17-24

Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.”

That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord...” (Eph. 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth (Rom. 12:2).

As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.

Humility - You need to recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person. You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace (Eph. 2:8-9).

Dependence - You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s will and serve others.

Confidence - You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good (Jer. 29:11-13; Rom. 8:28).