Still learning

But now, put all these things behind you. No more evil temper or furious rage: no more evil thoughts or words about others, no more evil thoughts or words about God, and no more filthy conversation. Don’t tell each other lies any more, for you have finished with the old man and all he did and have begun life as the new man, who is out to learn what he ought to be, according to the plan of God. (Colossians 3:8-10)

The most powerful statement any of us can remember is: "You have finished with the old man and all he did and have begun life as the new man, who is out to learn what he ought to be..." Sometimes it feels like the 'old man' is still in control, giving into our tempers, not so God-honoring thoughts, gossip, and all kinds of ill-advised schemes. It would do us well to rehearse these words over and over again, especially when the 'old man' side of us wants to take control. Reminding ourselves that we have 'finished with the old man' isn't just a whimsical little prayer - it is a powerful tool to remind not only ourselves, but the enemy of our souls that God is at the center of our lives and we will no longer follow on the path of the 'old man'.

When we remind ourselves that we are 'new' in Christ Jesus, we aren't saying we have it all together. In fact, we are merely 'out to learn what we ought to be'. That means we must seek God's intended path for our day. It also means that when we encounter hurdles to living according to the new man's plan, we might have to stop, recount the truth that we aren't that 'old man' any longer, and let God fill us with the power to overcome those thoughts and actions that want to keep us tied to the old way of living life. The new life within us has begun, and it may feel like it is constantly beginning again. That isn't a bad thing because God's grace is new every morning. Yesterday's grace isn't sufficient for today's hurdles - we need the freshness of his grace each and every day.

We are on a 'learning mission' - putting together the lessons we took from yesterday with all the other lessons God taught us along the way, counting on a new lesson today. No matter how small the lesson may be, as long as we are learning, we are moving in the right direction. Do we know how to live this life with Christ well yet? Not likely! We are ALL sinners, ALL saved by grace, ALL on this journey together, ALL dealing with a past that sometimes doesn't want to let go, and ALL in need of just a bit more of his help each day. Just sayin!