The New Man

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

We hear of many who have achieved great things. Shiny Abraham has represented India more than 75 times in international competitions. Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu are two of India's most celebrated badminton stars. Neeraj Chopra is one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time, having won numerous medals for India.

When we read about them, we know for sure that we cannot achieve anything even remotely close to their achievements. Such achievements need special talents!

However, the Bible encourages every believer to imitate Christ and become the image of Christ in their lifetime (Ephesians 5:1). It is not for a select few, but for every one of us.

The Bible contains numerous passages that encourage believers to "put on" godly virtues and "put off" sinful behaviors. Colossians 3:12-14, Ephesians 4:22-24, and Romans 12:9-21 are frequently cited examples. We are called to put off our former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and put on the new man, which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. These passages highlight the importance of cultivating godly virtues while rejecting vices such as anger, malice, and deceit.

In 2 Peter 1:3-10, we read that God has given us the power to reflect the nature of God and escape the corruption of the world. We should, therefore, "make every effort to add to our faith" goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. 

What does this mean?

The holy and blameless life expected by our Holy God is not unachievable by us because God has given us the Holy Spirit and empowered us to be overcomers. Every believer can achieve it. However, we must do one thing. We have to decide, or purpose in our hearts, like Daniel, to choose to live that way.  

The hymn' O Jesus, I Have Promised to serve Thee to the end' was written by John Ernest Bode, an Anglican clergyman, for the confirmation of his children in 1866. He had understood the path for victorious living lay in walking in His footprints, in His strength!

Oh, let me see Thy footprints, and in them plant mine own;

My hope to follow duly is in Thy strength alone;

Oh, guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end;

And then in Heav'n receive me, my Savior and my Friend.

My friend, to be more like Jesus, purpose in your heart to walk with Jesus every day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend. Amen.