The Search for Significance

Shame 107
"...lay aside the old self, which is being
corrupted in accordance with the lusts of
deceit, and that you be renewed in the
spirit of your mind, and put on the new
self, which in the likeness of God has
been created in righteousness and holiness
of the truth" (Ephesians 4:22-24).
We are to put on this new self that progressively
expresses Christian character in our attitudes
and behavior. We are marvelously unique,
and we can reflect the character of Christ through
our individual personalities and behavior. Each
believer, in a different and special way, has the
capability to shine forth the light of God. No two
will reflect His light in exactly the same way.
The truth of regeneration can dispel the specter
of the past. Our sins have been forgiven, and we
now have tremendous capabilities for growth and
change because we are new people with the Spirit
of God living in us. Yes, in sinning we will experience
the destructiveness of sin and the discipline
of the Father, but sin does not change the truth of
who we are in Christ.
To deal with our sin, we should follow King
David's example. When Nathan confronted David
about his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, David
confessed his sin to the Lord ( II Samuel 12:1-13).
David did not run from his sin or the consequences
resulting from it. David married
Bathsheba, and God was merciful: He enabled
Bathsheba to give birth to Solomon, the wise king
of Israel. Certainly, God could have brought
Solomon into the world some other way, but as a
message to us, He chose Bathsheba. What a message!
Get up, confess your sins, worship God, and
get on with life. You can experience the mercy of
God no matter what you've been through.