Reform

<<rebuild, alter(ation)>>

Becoming a Christian should bring a total change to our actions and lifestyle through repentance and ‘walking’ in the newness of life, with the new heart-nature God gives and the Holy Spirit within (Ezek 11:19, 36:26; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 5:17). The Bible describes this as changing our clothes – putting off the

We need a total makeover, putting put to death whatever is of the old life

old fleshly nature and putting on the new nature of Christ. It says that if we put to death the misdeeds of the body we will live (Rom 8:13; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5,8-10). However, this exchange must be more than an external makeover, it is to encompass every deep down part of us. We were slaves to sin, now we must take personal responsibility to say ‘No’ to fleshly lusts that are in conflict with what we know is right (Rom 6:4,11-13; Tit 2:12; 1 Pet 2:11). Determination, consistency and self-discipline are all necessary to deal with the old life and increasingly come into victory and wholeness in Him.

The life from Christ is to be outworked in our lives and experience; it is not sufficient to just give passive, mental agreement to intellectual ideals. While our spirit is willing, the carnal nature does not like submitting (Mt 26:41). We choose which route we travel, either the easy option that most people take (that ends in destruction) or the harder life of sacrifice and living for Jesus (that ends in eternal life) – we will reap what we sow into (Mt 7:13,14; Rom 13:14; Gal 5:16, 6:7,8).

Our lives will be transformed as our minds are renewed with our thought patterns and attitudes coming more into alignment with His standards – a process which continues for the remainder of our lives on earth (Rom 12:1,2; Phil 1:6). This improvement will have a far-reaching effect on us, and in turn those we come in contact with, as we come to more closely resemble our Master (Rom 8:29).

Acknowledge, “I can of myself do nothing...but I can do all things through Christ”; pray ‘I’m willing, please Lord help me’ (Zech 4:6; Jn 5:30; Phil 4:13). Develop a tender conscience that quickly responds to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.