Words of Grace – Dec. 31, 2013

A man went to see his doctor. After undergoing a series of tests it was discovered that he needed surgery. “If you have this operation,” the doctor assured him, “and then follow my advice afterwards, I guarantee that you will be another man in no time at all.”

“Okay, Doctor,” the patient consented, “but don’t forget to send your bill to the other man.”

As we look ahead to the New Year, we think about what we could do, or stop doing, that would make us a better person. We think that by making certain resolutions, we have the guidelines we need.

The Word of God tells us that when we come to Christ, trusting the Lord Jesus as our Savior, we become “a new creature.” As a result, “old things are passed away,” and “all things are become new” (Second Corinthians 5:17).

As new creatures, or new creations, in Christ, we have a new nature. We are encouraged in Ephesians 4:22-24, to “put off” the old nature, and to “put on” the new nature.

There is a big difference between the “old” you and the “new” you. The first “is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” The second “is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

We are able to “put off” the old and “put on” the new by being “renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Through the Word of God and prayer, “the inward man is renewed day by day” (Second Corinthians 4:16).