How to Become a New Creature in Christ

You have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; you are born again. You look the same on the outside, but on the inside, great change has come upon you. God's very own spirit has come to dwell in you, renewing every area of your life. Second Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (King James Version) You are a new creature on the inside. You have a new identity. Manifest your new, Christ-like character to the world.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Persistence
• Willingness to work with the Holy Spirit

1. Let yourself be guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit. When you accepted Christ, God took charge of you. You are not living the life of the Spirit until you allow it to control every area of your life. Being led by the Spirit is essential to a victorious Christian life. As long as you think your own thoughts and speak your own words, you will never walk in victory. It does no good to talk about Jesus unless our Christian lifestyle can back up our words.

2. Change your thought life. You are the new home of God. Make sure to declutter it of any unwanted visitors. The last time you moved, how much time did you spend cleaning your old house so it could be nice and inviting for the new owners? God is not just another tenant, He is the Creator of the universe and He has chosen you to make His home in. What a tremendous privilege!
   "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." )Romans 12:2 KJV). Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. It is impossible to have a good life unless you train yourself to think good thoughts. If you want others to see Jesus reflected in your life, then His mind must be reflected in you. God is not pleased when we think wrong thoughts about others. (1 John 4: 20, 21). If you have had judgmental, critical thoughts toward others, it is time to change. You are free to choose what will control your thoughts: your old, fleshy mind, or the mind of the Spirit. Remember you can never change if you do the same thing and think the same thoughts over and over and expect different results.

3. Make a commitment to walk in love. It will cause a huge shift in your lifestyle. Love is tangible; it is evident to everyone who comes in contact with it. A love walk will not come without its share of sacrifices. First Corinthians 14:1 states that we must "follow after love." This means you have to eagerly pursue it. You cannot remain passive and shower your love when you feel like it. Love requires effort. Learn to love people with your thoughts, your material possessions, your words, your actions.

4. Be bold and dare to stand up for God. In John 17:16, Jesus said, "They are not of the world even as I am not of the world." (American Standard Version). God needs soldiers and warriors, not someone who will cower in fear and accept what the world accepts simply to fit in. Remember, you are no longer part of the world. Cease to accept everything it wants you to by sugercoating affairs or people living together without the benefit of marriage as "being modern." Times change, God never does. It is not because we are in the 21st century God's laws have been altered. In this age of being politically correct, choose to be God correct.

Tips & Warnings

• Be determined to love until it hurts, for love is the only thing in the world that "never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8).

[vangyblue]

on 7/17/2008 To become a new creation you must not commit your life to Christ but you must completely surrender your life at the moment you decide to receive Christ's work on your behalf. For the gospel message (how to be made right with God/be saved/go to heaven) visit www.NeedGod.com.

[2besure]

on 6/12/2008 This is a wonderful article. Very helpful.