Christians are representatives of Christ. Daily living for a believer in Christ should be different than the life of an unbeliever. What do people learn about God from the way you live?

What is the new life?

When we decide to follow Christ, we have a new life. In our new life, we strive to please God with our actions and words. For example: Christians should not lie. Colossians 3:9 says “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old-self with its evil practices, and have put on the new-self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created Him.” The old-life or old-self is the life we were living before accepting Jesus as our personal Savior. The new-life is our life after becoming a Christian. (I Peter 1:23)

What are the works of the old-self?

Colossians 3:5-8 tells us to, “...Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy… now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.” These are all works of the old self. It may seem challenging to stop all of these behaviors, the Bible tells us the Holy Spirit gives us power to live for Christ.

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him....” (2 Peter 1:3) Christ has given us all the resources needed to live a godly life if we are willing to invest our time to learn from Him. Try making a daily effort to eliminate whatever feeds the desires of your old self and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power. Break free of the old-life and make a commitment to live the new-life given to you by Jesus.

How do we apply Jesus’ teaching to daily life?

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15) Holy living is peace, love, gentleness and kindness.

Let every detail of your life represent Jesus: your actions, words, what you see and what you think. Let it be done in honor of God. No it is not easy, and that’s why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Put to rest the ways of our old-life and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live a new life that is pleasing to God.