Hello there! Did you miss me? Did I leave some of you all hanging yesterday? I laughed the whole time as I hit send because I just knew there were going to be a few of you with questions. There were going to be a few of you biting your nails like you’re watching a murder mystery or your favorite suspense film. Not to worry, I’m back, and we’re going to pick up the good news.
How is it good news? When God looks at us, He is looking at us as if we had died with Christ. My footnote says, “because we died with Him, we are no longer condemned.” You could look at that legally if you like.
Now let’s look at it relationally. Relationally, “we have become one with Christ, and His experiences are ours now.”
Our Christian life began when in unity with Jesus, we died to our old life. There’s that old life again, our old self. Here’s where we should be shedding the elements of our old selves and taking on the new Christ-like elements. Now, I know this brings up stress in some people, and I understand. It did for me as well.
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m going to say to you now. We are human, always have been since the day we were born. We didn’t progress from a monkey or a turnip green or anything else. We were born as human beings, sinful human being thanks to our wonderful ancestors Adam and Eve. (That’s another lesson for another day)
Let’s face it
The temper tantrums started very young, as young as you not being able to speak clearly. The sinful nature in us developed, and it runs like a well-oiled machine. Can I share something with you? Even well-oiled machines break down, and new parts are implemented.
The long way around what I’m trying to say is this – it takes time. The changes usually don’t happen overnight.
My changes have been in the making for many years. But I am changing and taking on more Christ-like qualities and shedding the old stuff that isn’t producing fruit. Have I perfected it yet? No. Am I there yet? No. But neither was Paul or even Billy Graham. The changes take time.
However, don’t let this be your justification for never making the changes you know need to be made. This isn’t a diet plan that you’ll vow to start next week or the week after that.
Do you want to hear some good news? Jesus wants you today just as you are. The rest will follow on its own if you are willing to join Him today. Just saying…
Let’s pray.
Lord, help us to have the courage we need to make bold moves toward Christ. This life offers so many things, most often things that bring instant gratification. Those things usually cause problems. Thanks, God, for your words in the Bible – or as some like to say – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
In His Service,
The Teaching Lady
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