January 1, So Today . . .
We too may walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4.
Wow! What a way to begin a new year. Walk! This represents from the Scriptures the concept of “living out” one’s faith. The practical life application of the truth of Jesus Christ becomes the fundamental meaning of the Christian walk. God’s truth does not merely exist ornately, yet at times this seems to be the reality as we enjoy having Scriptures printed on plaques and apparel, or readily posted on social media with artistic fonts and images. Certainly, we are a society that needs the Word of God in front of us, and these are creative ways to accomplish such a task. But, the more powerful presentation of God’s truth comes when a follower of Jesus resolves to “walk in the newness of life.”
“Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
The above verse reveals a real spiritual transaction that became reality when you placed your faith in Jesus Christ. On a spiritual level, you became so identified with Jesus through salvation that you experienced the truth of His death and resurrection – He died to defeat sin and was raised to give us a new life. (This truth represents a spiritual baptism that gives meaning to outward expressions of baptism following conversion.) The truth of Romans 6:4 demonstrates that the one who comes to God through faith in Jesus Christ experiences more than just a decision. A real change occurs because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. New life! Real life. Sins are forgiven, and our brokenness and lostness changed to a brand-new life. The Bible refers to this as God’s act of salvation:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
In this new life, we are called to participate. We are called to live in response to the love of God that saved us, for indeed God’s love was manifested this way:
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” (I John 4:9)
So today, how can we participate in this new life? We must face every day with the challenge and privilege of walking (practically living) according to Jesus. Each day, we have the opportunity for right attitudes, actions, thoughts, and aspirations that truly indicate we are made brand new. Is this easy? Well, no. Is this a daily challenge? Most certainly. But, one day at a time, we face the joyful calling of “walking in the newness of life.”
God has changed us, with no human involvement at all. This change is all His work in Christ. Now, live according to this change.
A two-word phrase God has planted in my own faith walk that initiates my embrace of this challenge is simply, “so today”. So today, how will you walk in the newness of life? So today, how will you live in response to the amazing love of God poured out in Christ?
I would not be too caught up in resolutions for an entire year. I would instead face the challenge of “so today.” Let’s get busy walking in the newness of life.
Blessings.