A NEW WAY OF LIVING

We live in evil days where the works of darkness is prevalent in the world. But as Christians, we are given a new way of living. Therefore, we should live as people who walk in the light, taking on the spiritual armor of light which is Christ Himself.

Reference: Romans 13:14 English Standard Version (ESV) 'But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.'

This Scripture introduces us to the way we must avoid and what to do to live a successful Christian life in the world. Its either you are putting on the Lord Jesus or you are living to make room for the flesh in regard to gratifying it's desires. As we live in the world, we need to live and tell another story with our lifestyle; one that we know is life-giving, right and true. To make no provision for the flesh is to stop living ordinarily like everyone else.

Apostle Paul described what it looks like to live as a Christian by exposing us to a different way of doing things. It is the lifestyle of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. Now that you are a new creation in Christ, you have a new culture - a new way of living. In the world, the works of darkness such as drunkenness, immorality, and jealousy are the focus of those seeking the pleasure of the flesh. So you must put on the Lord Christ, which is to clothe yourself in the armour of light. Until you do so, you may live like any other person outside Christ.

The Bible says, 'What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God (1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV). In other words, we have a different Spirit in operation - the Spirit of God in us. Therefore wake up to the possibilities of lifestyle that the Spirit of God has to offer by putting on the armor of light, instead of taking part in the things that people usually do under the cover of darkness. Ephesians 6:11(KJV) says, 'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil'. Yielding rightly in the way of God's Spirit is your protection and bullet-proof armor. Then, taking up the shield of faith is the vital part of the armor of light.

Our new way of living also entails thinking the Word - way. How you think is important because Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, 'Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' Here, Paul urges us to be transformed from the inside out, and not to be fashioned and shaped into this world's mould. Specifically, he writes that we must be changed in how we think by having our minds renewed so that we can begin to understand and walk in God's will for our lives. To achieve this transformation, you need the Word of God. It is the only material that can renew your mind, invigorate you for success, position you for greatness and sustain you in that direction.

Scripture Reading - John 4:24; Romans 6:14; Philippians 4:8; 1 John 2:15-17.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm forever grateful that I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, through faith in His finished work. I have put on the Lord Jesus in spirit and truth and I live my life in full submission to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Having been dressed with Christ, I'm covered in the truth; I walk righteousness and function in His salvation, thereby making no provision for the evil cravings and it's sinful actions. Through the Knowledge of the Word, I establish only the works of righteousness in my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen!