Your New Life

One of the first things you need to understand is that Jesus didn't come simply to make the old version of you behave better.

He gives you new life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Your past may explain parts of your story, but it doesn't have to define who you become.

Following Jesus means learning to see yourself according to what God says about you rather than only according to your past, feelings, failures, successes, or what other people have called you.

But being made new doesn't mean every old habit immediately disappears.

You're going to have to learn a new way of living.

There will be things God corrects. Things He asks you to surrender. Things you once considered normal that Scripture reveals don't belong in your new life.

Don't run from that process.

God's correction isn't evidence that He has abandoned you. His desire is to form you.

Your life with Jesus is going to be a process of becoming more like Him.

Think About It

What parts of my old life am I still allowing to define me?

What does God say about who I am becoming?

Take Your Next Step

Read Colossians 3:1–17.

Write down two things:

Something God is telling you to put off.

Something God is telling you to put on.

Then ask God to help you live it.