January 28: The big change

For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another.  But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior.  And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7 — NET)   

The great contrast between what we used to be and what we are now is the theme of these verses. What we are now should be the exact opposite of what we were before we were saved. The washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit has accomplished great changes, and our futures have been transformed by the grace of God—by the kindness and love of God.   If there is not a sharp contrast between your past and your present life, you need to examine yourself. If you are still enslaved by passions and pleasures—if you are still foolish, disobedient, and filled with bad feelings toward others—you have not yet experienced the new birth that these verses talk about. But you don't need to despair, Jesus is waiting with outstretched arms to guide and empower you to make these changes happen. Put your faith totally in Him, give Him control over your life without reservation, and God will make this scripture your reality.   

The two things we all need to be new people in Jesus Christ are provided for. The washing or the cleansing from all sin—called here "the washing of rebirth," and the power of the Holy Spirit to be different—called here simply "renewal by the Holy Spirit." These two provisions of God make the big change possible! The Lord Jesus died for us and His blood cleanses us from all sin when we trust Him and repent of our sins. As we do this, He will give us His power to change, to be strong, and His Spirit will transform us into new men and women. 

If this has not already happened, this should be your goal for this year.