Old vs. New

Have you ever experienced this? There are moments when I don’t recognize myself. Why am I reacting this way? Where does this angry emotion come from? Why am I talking in an unloving tone? This is not me. I’m not like that person.

The answer is obvious: I’m reacting that way because of the difficult circumstances! If he or she hadn’t said that, or if XYZ hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have been angry or unkind. Here we go…we have uncovered the culprit, right?

Well, the truth is: Difficult circumstances might have played a role, but they are not the culprit. Whatever the circumstances our negative reactions to them simply reveal the sin which is already in our hearts.

We don’t like to admit that. It feels so much better to blame our wrongs on someone or something else, doesn’t it? But in reality, we‘re still struggling with our “old flesh” as the Bible puts it. Even the apostle Paul knew that battle: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing…Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:19 & 24).

BUT there is hope! Paul continues: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25). God has given us a new identity in Jesus Christ! Our old self still exists, but it has been defeated. And one day all sin will be gone forever. Hallelujah!

Love,
Mirjana Joy