Daily Devotion: A New Creation

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5: 11-17

Main Verse:
2 Corinthians 5: 17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Observation:
Today's Sunday sermon is a reminder of how knowing Jesus and declaring Him as my Lord and Savior has changed me. Jesus has changed my IDENTITY. I am no longer an enemy of God because the Lord has forgiven my sins. I am a new creation! I am a friend of God now! The way I view and know myself has changed and I no longer care about what other people think about me. As a follower of Christ we can INFLUENCE others. We are the Salt and Light of this world (Matthew 5: 13-16). People should essily recognize that we are followers of Christ, and we should have a positive effect unto others. Finally, as a new creation, our INTENTIONS change. When we were still of this world, all we ever thought of was our own dreams and aspirations. But because of Jesus, all of that has changed. Our motivation for doing something is always rooted first and foremost in pleasing the Lord, not ourselves.

Application:
Our perspective of ourselves changes once we know Jesus. Because the Lord has already forgiven us from our sins, we are no longer under condemnation. Therefore, what others think about us is no longer important. We only think about what pleases the Lord and not what pleases others. We also desire to be a good influence unto others. Don't forget: Jesus has given us all power and authority over all the earth. He wants us to use that power so we can lead others to Christ. Finally, our motives should always be to build further our relationship with the Lord, and to help others have the kind of relationship that we enjoy with Him.

Prayer:
Lord, I am indeed a new creation because of your love. You have saved me from a wretched life, and you have given me a chance to enjoy the blessing of a new identity and the power and authority to influence others and lead them to you. Guide me at all times, Lord, so I may continue to motivate others to follow you. Search my heart and correct my intentions when I do something for you. May I always be a source of motivation and a channel of blessings to others. In your Mighty Name I pray. AMEN.