A new, improved, and better you

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sanctification”

Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “A new, improved, and better you”

2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of the classic go-to verses we typically include when explaining God’s plan of salvation to an unbeliever. In the moment a person places their faith in Christ they are a new creation. Their sins are forgiven and wiped away; their spirit is reborn as a new creation in Christ; and in the eyes of the Father, the person is a brand-new creation. It is a wonderful promise filled with hope and joy, and it applies specifically and directly to salvation.

But it is also true that all believers in Christ have an opportunity to become a new and better person every day – different and improved from who you were yesterday. This is part of the adventure of living the Christian life. If you are a serious disciple of Jesus Christ, and if you have incorporated the basic spiritual disciplines of the Christian life into your daily routine, then you will be growing spiritually and the Holy Spirit will be in the constant process of molding you, shaping you, and transforming you into a new and improved person. You will be different and better from who you were ten years ago, and even from who you were just yesterday.

One of the most uplifting and encouraging passages in the Old Testament was recorded by the prophet Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations. In Lamentations 3:22-23 we read, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!”

God has new blessings, new words of encouragement, and new spiritual insights waiting for you every day. As you experience them, you will come to know God better and you will grow a little more. And when that happens, you will have changed. You will have grown spiritually and you will be a little different and a little better than you were yesterday. You might not be an entirely new creation from who you were yesterday, but you will be a slightly new, improved, and better version of you.

The Christian life lived well is a great adventure of discovery, growing, and serving. God has more for you every day. Go to Him now. Present yourself before the Holy Spirit and let Him mold you and shape you. It will result in a new, improved, and better you.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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