Living as A New Creation

"Wherefore henceforth know we no man according to the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  2 Cor. 5:16-17

The apostle's word communicated a decisive and radical message.  The passage of time has not dulled their importance nor rendered them barren. In fact, time has sharpened their dynamic power, and served to challenge the believing one to recognize once and for all that the life of faith with the Iesous has placed them far away from the social orders fabricated by men.

Indeed, social conditioning from womb to tomb has convinced people of the necessity and divine right to their native social order.  Yes, we are enjoined by the Word of God to be persons of peace and those who obey the powers that be because God has given them the right to execute social justice. Yes, men do so imperfectly, and that is why we must pray for our leaders.

We are members of two social orders.  One is temporal and the other is eternal.  It may be difficult to be consciously aware of our dual citizenship at time, but that does not negate the reality of who and what we are.  I may confess that I belong to the society of Iesous, but my actions betray an allegiance to the temporal order, and my actions may be bold and vocal or ever so subtle.  Nevertheless the temporal order is one's chosen way to 'live.'

Persons who chose to live this way cannot find fulfilment in life because they walk beside themselves.  They are called in the Greek New Testament di-psuchos or double soled ones.  They have divided loyalties.  They have forgotten that no one can serve two masters.  There is only one single loyalty of lasting merit and that is to Iesous.

'Henceforth know we know man according to the flesh.'  The new life that the Iesous gives is not derived from nor is it in any way united to the existing social orders.  The new life in Iesous transcends human viewpoint and thinking.  It is a radically new life that has a radically new attitude.

In a very practical manner I think of persons who I have counselled over the years and their controlling narratives.  I have heard stories of abuse and horrible 'Soul Murder' from many, many persons.  They have told me that their abuse narrative have come mainly from loved ones.  Here is the element of madness that tosses persons into the abyss of hurt and anger that can hurt for a lifetime.  The Iesous gives new life to the wounded ones.  God can release the wounded ones through teaching them the power of forgiveness.

God makes the hurt one new in Iesous.  This does not mean that the hurt in one's life that results in the symptomatic behavior of a controlling narrative will disappear over night.  It does mean that the new life is powerful through the Iesous, and that God's resurrection power can give one the courage to move out into a new direction in life.  Paul writes that in Iesous the "old things" or the ancient things are passed away.  Can you see why the slaves of pre- and post colonial America held on to the Bible.  In spite of their temporal condition as being relieved or legally separated from their humanity they knew that they were valued persons in the sight of God.

Their temporal estate negated them completely as persons.  Radical hurt can result in radical self-estrangement but the Word of God offers hope to those so afflicted.  God's Words are good news to the wounded.  One does not have to change one's physical geographic location on the surface of the earth to have a new life.  God does not need a compass to locate me, and neither does he need GPS.  God is all knowing.  He knows where I am.  The Iesous said to certain people during his public ministry, "Your faith has saved you."

God makes all things new.  If you are experiencing negative thought patterns in your life think about what God has done for you.  I mean really think about the work of God in your life.  This exercise of thinking and visualization can release you from the load that you are carrying in your life.  While you think about your blessings pray without ceasing.  This will change your viewpoint and the stress load in your life. Don't do this exercise one time let it become a new habit. Blessings to you.

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