My sister Joy will be graduating from college this weekend! I am immensely proud of her accomplishments and the perseverance she’s shown as a student in the times of COVID-19. As I celebrate her, I remember my own graduation and the sense of pride in receiving my degree. You feel like a new version of yourself – one that’s a little older and a little wiser and ready to take on the world. It’s a time of endings, but also of new beginnings. And that reminds me of how, as Christians, we are all made new the moment we accept Jesus into our hearts as our Savior.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV) We are transformed from the inside out the minute we become saved. We have Jesus in our hearts and the potential to live a life in line with His will. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (NIV) We have the opportunity to reject the patterns of this world for something far better – God’s perfect will for us. Let’s not get entangled by the sin of this world – our temporary home – but let’s instead rise above our bad habits, our unforgiveness, and our gossiping tongues to live lives more like Jesus.
Indeed, God Himself says, “‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV) God will provide a path for you, one that allows you to live out your faith as a transformed person. He is always at work within you, helping you to break away from the sins of the world and live in freedom as a new creation in Christ. You are made new. Don’t ever forget that. God’s mercies are new every morning, so you always have the chance to live better than you did yesterday. It’s an ongoing transformation. You’re constantly having to renew your mind and your heart to be aligned with the Lord. But it is worth it. Just like earning a degree opens the door to new possibilities, the renewing of your heart opens new horizons for growth and transformation. You are a new creation and you are loved more than you’ll ever know! Celebrate that today!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…
2 Corinthians 5:17