Embracing God’s Transforming Work!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “I’m just trying to turn over a new leaf”? Or maybe you’ve been told to “get your act together” when life felt chaotic. While these ideas reflect our human desire for improvement, they fall short of what God offers through salvation. In Christ, we are not merely improved versions of our old selves; we are entirely new creations. This transformation goes beyond self-help or behavior modification. It is a divine work that reshapes our identity and empowers us to walk in God’s purpose.
A New Creation, Not a New Version
When we accept salvation, something miraculous happens within us. The Bible declares that we are made new—not just patched up or slightly better but completely transformed. This is the work of God’s Spirit, not something we can achieve on our own.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 illustrates this beautifully: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
God’s promise is not about adjusting our old nature but replacing it entirely with His Spirit. This means the old habits, mindsets, and ways of living that once defined us no longer have power. Instead, we are empowered to live according to His will.
Letting Go of the Old
The hardest part of embracing the new creation is letting go of the old. Our old ways of thinking and doing often feel familiar, even comforting, because we’ve lived in them for so long. But the Bible calls us to put off the old self and its practices.
Ephesians 4:22-24 says: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This is not a one-time event; it’s a daily surrender. Each day, we must consciously choose to reject our old ways of thinking and doing things and instead embrace the truth of who we are in Christ. This may mean breaking free from unhealthy relationships, walking away from habits that no longer align with God’s Word, or renewing our minds through Scripture and prayer.
Living as the New Creation
Being a new creation means living with a renewed sense of purpose and identity. In our everyday lives, this transformation shows up in how we love others, make decisions, and respond to challenges. As we align ourselves with God’s Word, we begin to see evidence of the new creation in us. Our speech becomes seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). Our actions reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Our hearts are drawn to seek God’s kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33).
This doesn’t mean we won’t face struggles. There will be moments when the old self tries to reassert itself. But we have the assurance that God is continually working in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
Practical Steps to Embrace the New Creation
- Renew Your Mind Daily: Spend time in God’s Word to remind yourself of your new identity. Meditate on Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 12:2.
- Surround Yourself with Community: Join a group of believers who can encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
- Pray for Transformation: Ask God to help you fully embrace the new creation and to reveal areas where the old self still lingers. Prayer is a powerful tool for aligning our hearts with God’s will.
- Walk by Faith: Trust that God’s work in you is ongoing. Even when you don’t feel like a new creation, remember that your identity is rooted in Christ, not in your emotions or circumstances.
Reflecting Christ in Everyday Life
Imagine the impact if every believer fully embraced their new identity in Christ. In our workplaces, homes, and communities, we would radiate God’s love and grace. The transformation in us would become a testimony to others of God’s power to change lives.
So, as you go about your day, remember this: You are not turning over a new leaf; you are walking in the reality of being a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come. Let this truth shape how you think, act, and live. And as you embrace the new man God has put in you, may you experience the fullness of His joy and purpose for your life.
If you are interested in joining the Speak Life Kingdom Builders Community, you can click below!
Embracing God’s Transforming Work!
Thank you so much for reading my blog today! I am so excited to share some of my experiences and what God puts in me to share with you all. I appreciate your support and pray that you are encouraged, uplifted, and empowered by LaNise Speaks Life Blogs. Be sure to subscribe so that you are notified when there is a new blog post. I hope that you will continue to be blessed by these blogs!
LaNise Speaks Life 