The resurrection of Christ calls us to a new perspective of life; we are to live in the eternal realities of heaven. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Change is necessary—some stuff has to go and some behaviors must experience a holy makeover. We have a new identity in Christ and the Apostle Paul reminds us we must make a clean break from sinful behavior. We have been raised with Christ to new life and daily we are being transformed into His glorious image.
Our conduct should reflect our resurrection reality. Living the new life means we don’t just believe in the resurrection—we embody it. Our thoughts are lifted, our desires are reshaped, and our conduct begins to mirror the character of Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-11 NLT Living the New Life
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your [our] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming [on all who disobey Him]. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[Greek] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of new life in Christ. Teach us to set our hearts and minds on heavenly realities. Give us the strength and courage to let go of the things that dishonor you and hinder our growth. Renew our thoughts and desires on a daily basis and help us reflect your beautiful presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.