The Struggle of the New Me

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:17, 18, 22-24, 30 NLT)

How diferent do I look from everyone else? According to this the answer should be pretty drastically. I have to put to death my old way of life because Jesus came and died for me so that I could have a new one! This is a difficult process, a daily battle. You see, I don't always want to put on my new nature, sometimes I want to be spiteful and rude. Sometimes I want to be angry and hold a grudge. I don't always want to show the love that Jesus has shown to me. Why? Because people are jerks. While that may be true, if I claim to have Jesus then I don't get to make that choice. You see, part of being a follower of Jesus is actually following. That means He calls the shots. He says to put on the new nature daily, so that is what I'm supposed to do! It's really not that complicated, although it is difficult. 

When it comes down to it, why should I listen to Him anyway? Well, you could say that I owe Him one. And by that I mean the biggest one of all time. How do you repay someone who saved you from eternal damnation? The short answer is you don't. But a good place to start is by doing what He asks you to do. He has called me His own, which is beyond amazing! He has guaranteed that I will be saved on the last day! The least I can do is live for Him until that time comes!

Enjoy the Jourey