Spring has sprung and I’m enjoying planting a few flowers and filling the (too numerous) birdfeeders in my yard—hoping to entice my feathered friends to come down for a seedy feast. New shoots and leaves are bursting forth in my garden—some that haven’t bloomed in a couple years; it’s always fun when that happens. I’ve recently seen bluebirds checking out a wooden birdhouse in the yard, trying to find a home for their next brood. Butterflies are once again flitting about in my butterfly garden. Baby bunnies can be seen emerging from the bushes. There is new life everywhere.

The gift of new life.

Speaking of new life, did you know that when we come to faith in Christ, we receive new life? In fact, everything changes—our source of power, our hope in trying times, and our eternal destiny. Nothing stays the same. Our sins are forgiven and our slate is wiped clean.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

Put off the old, put on the new.

Are you living in the light of the new life you have in Christ? The gift of new life is free and can never be taken away, but we have a responsibility to shed those parts of our life that do not coincide with the goodness of God. We’re called to cooperate with Him as He shapes us into a vessel that glorifies Him.

“That in reference to your former life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  Ephesians 4:22-24 (NASB)

Embrace joy, peace and hope.

Consider this week whether you are walking fully in the freedom and peace you have in Christ. Meditate on this new life you have in Him—a life of joy, peace, purpose and hope. Let go of whatever clings to you of your old life, the life you had before you met Jesus. The Holy Spirit, as your new source of power, will give you the strength to do it.

“Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB)

And, Happy Easter, He is risen!