Our lives are no longer our own to pursue our own selfish desires and the life that we now live, we live to God (Galatians 2:19-20). Conduct That Reflects Progress The journey out of the world is the mission of Christian life and con- duct matters deeply. Christians are meant to be accurate reflections of Jesus Christ and His way of life. God, through the apostle Peter, re- peatedly emphasizes conduct and character in I Peter 1:14–16: As obedient children, not con - forming yourselves to the for - mer lusts, as in your ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And again in I Peter 2:11-12: Beloved, I beg you as sojourn - ers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they
observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. While we are physically in this world, Christians are spiritually re- quired to come out of it. God reg- ularly emphasizes living a changed life, one that leaves the old man dead and buried. He asks His people to walk in a newness of life, changing their speech, changing the way they think and fundamentally changing who they are, becoming more like Christ, each and every day. This life is but a vapor, blink and it’s over. Consequently, each of us need to make the most of it and approach the opportunity to be in God’s Fami- ly with real passion and excitement. Why Conversion Brings Joy So what brings lasting joy and ful- fillment? Change. There is real enjoyment in making progress in our lives! Instinctively this is easily understood watching children develop. How exciting it is when they begin to crawl, take their first steps, and even speak their first word. Each milestone is a thrill be- cause growth is evidence of life and progress. This is also why Chris-
tians experience such moments of joy when an individual binds them- selves to God at baptism. This is a human being’s first step towards be - coming like Jesus Christ. Witness- ing such commitment, repentance, and the beginning of real change is exciting. Luke 15:7-10 provides the perspec- tive: There will be more joy in heav - en over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just per - sons who need no repentance… There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Imagine how God feels about His little ones striving to overcome their greatest challenges, with a heart set to glorify Him that will one day be in His Family! Continuing the Mission Every moment of change can bring significant fulfillment renewing passion for God’s way of life. An incredible transformation is taking place. The process of conversion— overcoming human nature through God’s Spirit—is the challenge of a lifetime. But there is no greater call- ing and no greater joy than when God’s children walk in truth. Each year as the first Holy Day sea - son approaches, we are reminded of the mission: to come out of this world. We engage in removing sin from our lives while continually putting on the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Be sure to take time to look back on how far you have already traveled on this path toward God’s Kingdom, and continue this path of conversion with joy!
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