New Creature or Old? Which are YOU?

2 Corinthians 5:17  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Wouldn't it be nice to wake up some morning and find out that you are a whole new creature...that your body has been totally renewed and your outward appearance is like that of a twenty year old in his/her prime?  Even better, to realize that your inner person, your heart, lungs, bones, muscles, teeth, eyes, brain and nerves are also brand new and in perfect condition; wouldn't that be marvelous? Who among us wouldn't jump at the opportunity to be completely restored to our youthful perfection (if we ever were that perfect)?   I know I would, but only if I could keep the wisdom that I have learned through many years of trial and error. I certainly wouldn't want to have to learn those lessons all over again.

According to what I am reading today in 2 Corinthians 5:17, we can be a new creation, and perhaps many of us already are.  This verse tells me that if I am in Christ, I am a new creation; "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."  So just what does this mean?  I certainly don't look like a new creation...I look more like a worn out old shoe...comfortable, but very well worn.  And even more than that, I definitely don't feel like a new creation, especially today after springing the clocks ahead one hour last night! That always throws me off kilter for about a week!

The key is: "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation..."  When we invite Christ into our hearts, when we accept the free gift of salvation that is only through faith in Christ, He comes to dwell within our hearts, and we become new creatures.  Our old sinful nature passes away, and our hearts and souls become like brand new babies...clean and pure.  He takes away the old and replaces it with the new.  That is better than any botox or plastic surgeon or heart surgeon could ever do.  The new creation within us shines through, giving us a happy, joyful spirit that nothing can ever take away.  Even when difficult things happen in our lives, that new spirit within continues to mature and grow and blossom into the beautiful new creature that is designed specifically by God.

If you are tired of the old creature that is dying within you, why not invite Christ in today?  He is only a prayer away...and He is always ready to create a new person.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to wake up tomorrow a new creature in every way...inside and out?  Think about it.  Better yet, just do it!

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"