A New Person

In 2 Corinthians 5 we find these words:

… Christ’s love controls us … He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them … Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ … (2 Corinthians 5:14-18, NLT)

When Jesus’ love controls you, you will live for Him instead of for yourself. This happens because you have become a new person, with a new life, moving in a new direction.

Your efforts do not produce it, it is God’s gift to you!

Did you catch that? God gives this to you!

So how does this happen? How do you come to the place where Jesus’ love controls you to the point you become a new person?

This familiar passage gives us the answer:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

The answer is in the yoke – staying connected to Jesus. He is asking for only one change on your part – that day by day you stay with Him. And as you do that, you will learn from Him and He will rub off on you.

This is what will change your life. This is how God will give you the gift of new life. This is how you will become a new person moving in a new direction.

What are you waiting for?

This thought comes from this week’s assignment.
To download the assignment, click here.