2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
When a contractor starts to build a new house on new land, he has to first create a way to get in all the materials and equipment and people needed to build the house. The way in (or driveway) is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then the contractor has to remove all the stuff in the way of the new build including trees, stumps, rocks, shrubs, grass, the top soil and everything else he finds in the way of the new house. For us this might mean old habits that we want to change to be more like Jesus. Or old ways of thinking, attitudes, sins we like, people we follow, what we do and say, etc. This process is our becoming more like Jesus (sanctification).
If there is an old structure in the way it must be torn down to make way for the new one. A new foundation must be dug out, strong reinforced concrete walls must be formed before anyone can build above ground to create the place where a family will live. Walls, windows, doors, and a roof. These are all put into place as protectors of the people who will live in the house. These include spiritual formations that build us up in Christ; Bible reading, attending church, small group Bible study, service to people for the King and reaching out to others with the good news of the Gospel.
We’re not talking about a renovation like what you might see on The Property Brothers or Fixer Upper or Island of Bryan or Mike Holmes (shows that I enjoy). It’s not about some new paint or move a wall or strengthening the floor or new cabinets or furnishings. What we’re taking about is a total demolition of the old person you were before coming to Christ and a new build into Christlikeness.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22 & 23.
Be NEW in Christ!!
Meandering Moose 