** …we also should walk in newness of life ** Romans 6:4
This morning I read 1 Thessalonians 2 and several words stood out for me.
Gentle
Affectionately
Laboring
Holy
Just
Unblameable
Exhort
Comfort
Walk worthy
Thank God
Followers
Newness of Life. A fresh start. Every day.
Every day we can choose to walk in Newness of Life. Every day we can reject anger, jealousy, bitterness, criticism, gossip, backbiting, laziness, apathy, selfishness and harshness.
Newness of Life is a command, not an automatic gift. Right after salvation we are joyful and thrilled to experience this Newness. But after a short time it is no longer magic fairy dust. Newness becomes a choice. The Newness needs to be on purpose. 1 Thessalonians 2 tells us this. Paul chose to not be the harsh, condemning and judgmental Pharisee anymore.
He reminded them of this. He was saying to the Thessalonians…look at all that God changed in me! Look at all that God changed in you! Keep going! Don’t go backwards! Embrace this Newness of Life with all that you’ve got! Even in the middle of problems and persecution.
We can choose today to be kind and gentle and merciful and thankful. We can choose everyday who we will reflect. The old us or the New Us.
Us or Him.
It’s all about choices. From the moment we choose to say yes to salvation in Christ. Every day we continue to choose. My way, or His way. Gentle or mean. Forgiving or resentful. Comforting or criticizing.
We can choose today to walk in the Newness of Life that Christ gave us. And choose it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next….until we see Him face to face.
The choice is always ours to make.