So you are a Christian, saved by grace through Christ. What now? We have not been left alone to wander through life. God is alive and active! Christ operates through his followers. The Holy Spirit encourages us to live God’s words in our lives.

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Col 3: 1-2, MSG)

If you believe that Jesus loves you, act like it! Celebrate the love of God and share it with others!
If you believe that your sins are forgiven, act like it! Extend grace to others!
If you believe that God is always in control, act like it! Live courageously and love boldly!

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. (Col. 3: 3-4, MSG)

Even if we are living this new resurrection life with Christ it does not remove us from difficulties and hardships in human life. We are still going to work, take care of our families, cook dinners, and clean toilets. We are still facing sickness and suffering, dealing with trying relationships, and experiencing tough life situations.

The difference here is that we are not going through these things alone.
The miracle here is that we are transformed by them.
The blessing here is that Living God becomes even more real in them.

Because God is true, Christ is risen, The Holy Spirit is at work in us. Because we are God’s children,  embraced and empowered by God’s grace. So we will keep on living God’s words and praise the Lord until Jesus will come again.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for being alive and active.
Empower us to act like we believe.
Transform us into your likeness.
Enable us to praise you in hardships.
Resurrect us from death day by day.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S. Read Living God’s Words, part 1 here.

Q4U: How has God’s grace transformed you?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace Christ and dare to live boldly!

Photo courtesy of Matt Gruber.