Fellowship United Methodist Church

         Have you ever thought much about the witness protection program?  Can you imagine what it would be like to give up everything that you know and love except your immediate family?  People are given completely new identities, new vocations, and relocated to another part of the country for their protection.  They have either been involved with a crime or witness to one. The old person completely disappears and is never heard from again.
         As I think and write about this, I am reminded of the new identity we are given through Christ.  The apostle Paul writes that we are a new creation…the old is gone.  When I think about who I was before, I am thankful that I am no longer that person.  I like the new me a lot better than the old me.   Life has taken on new meaning.  However, as a new creation, this does not mean that we are completely sin free…far from it.  Temptation is still there, but our response is different.  We find that we participate less and less in the activities of the old life as we grow stronger in our relationship with Christ.  As I think of who I was before Christ, it is hard to believe that I was once that person. 
        As you go through your day today, think about the new creature that you have become.  Can you think of things or activities that you no longer participate in because of Christ?  Do you give thanks for this change?  It is because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that we are able to have this new life.  This is not a new life where we are in hiding because of sin, but a new life in which we are given freedom from sin.  As we draw closer to Easter, think about what it cost to give you this new life.
Prayer:  God, you are amazing.  Your love for me is so great that it is hard to fathom sometimes, especially when I look at the old me.  Thank you for changing me into a new creation and help me to continue to live a life that shows that you are God in my life.  Amen