A New Way to Live

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:1-17)

Sometimes, after having been sick with the flu or perhaps down with a chronic pain, we wake one morning and find that we feel so much better. Our stomach isn't doing flip-flops or that painful ankle seems to be functioning perfect once again. We feel new and fresh. It always feels great to feel good once again. Can you relate? Have you ever experienced this renewed feeling?

There is a similar feeling, only even more powerful, when we accept Christ into our lives. There is an Easter morning feel to things. There is a joy, a new outlook on life. There is freedom and clarity and a sense of "I'm not alone." And all this is true. Recognizing Jesus is our Savior awakens a new life, a guilt free way to live. Do you know this feeling?

Easter morning is the start of something new. Perhaps for some it was a reminder of our forgiven state, of how much we are loved. For others, new to the faith, it may be one of many 'firsts' we experience. A fresh new life is there for the taking. Because He Lives, we can claim our place at His side in eternity. Because He Lives, we do too.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

When it hurts to say "No"

Galatians 1:10 (NIV)  Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 

Are you a people-pleaser?  Do you go out of your way, inconvenience yourself to an unhealthy degree, so that others will like you?  You know your behavior is unhealthy when your stomach does flip-flops when you say "no" to someone.  Sound familiar to you?  When we were children, this was called peer pressure or guilt-tripping. When carried into adulthood, it becomes emotionally crippling and we feel our life is not our own.

The good news is that we don't have to live like this. By sticking close to God, reading His Word and coming to an understanding of just what is our responsibility and what isn't-is priceless.  The first time you say no to someone you really don't want to spend time with, you will feel free. Those times when it isn't clear if you should enter into a situation you don't feel good about, pray.

I find the more I turn everyday situations over to God, the easier the decisions become and more peace fills me after having done so.  But, there are those times God wants us to act, to help, to walk alongside, to get dirty and be uncomfortable.  Those times He will make it clear if you seek Him.  Ask the Galatians 1:10 question, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?"

For some of us it takes a lifetime to change from a people-pleaser to a God-pleaser. It is worth it once we experience the changed heart and new outlook.

Galatians 1