To Live a Different Life

When we become Christians we made into a 'new creation.'  We made into something different, something unique, something that doesn't quite 'fit' into the world we had grown accustomed to.

It can be really difficult to understand the difference that has occured, and sometimes it can lead to frustration.

In Colossians 2:20-23 we hear about people who had lived with an understanding of the world's ways, and then struggled to live in their new freedom found in Christ.  Old rules and regulations seemed to dominate their thinking.

But God wants us to be really free!  Not in a rebellious, self-absorbed kind of way--as though I have the freedom to 'do whatever I want', because as a new creation in Jesus, I am now His and my freedom is dependant on obedience to Him.

Let's listen to what Paul writes here:  "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 'Do not handle!  Do not taste! Do not touch!'?  These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.  Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

That's a load!  I don't know about you, but I lack the wisdom necessary to unpack all this in such a way that I can clearly see what areas I am still living by 'the principles of this world'.  But I know this for sure:  God wants me to be free from them, and free in Him.

If the longing of your heart today is for freedom in Jesus, then spend some time with Him and pour out your heart--all your questions, confusions, frustrations and whatever else is burdening you and ask that He take care of you. 

That's where our hope lies, and there alone.

Always remember that Jesus loves you more than imaginable, and His love really changes things!

BT