Behold The New

Devotional Reading: “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians. 5:16 &17

Too often we extend grace to those around us and see their potential and their possibilities, yet we don’t do the same when we look in the mirror.  We tend to be critical and intolerant of our shortcomings and dwell on the ways we aren’t good enough. Instead of seeing our God-design, we see our flaws and all the things we need to “improve.” Simply said, we too often fail to see the beauty of who we really are in the Spirit and only regard ourselves according to our flesh.

BUT, when God looks at us, He does not see our flesh, Instead, He sees the righteousness of Jesus. Our flesh is inconsequential in the light of His Son. Oh, that we would have this same perspective; HIS perspective and see the ways He sees. 

So, what does this mean for you? Think about patterns, behaviors, beliefs, fears, etc. that you feel stuck in. Habitual emotions and thoughts end up navigating who you are in a moment. These are the things that God is saying have passed away. But the reality is, the way you regard yourself is the paradigm you will walk in.

God is reminding us that the “secret” to no longer regarding ourselves according to our flesh is to BEHOLD the new. This feels refreshing. It’s not about what I need to quit doing or who I need to quit being, but instead, it’s about what I get to do and who I get to be!

The word “behold” in the original language denotes the idea of “seeing or perceiving with the eyes.” It also denotes the idea of “cherishing and paying attention to (something).” If we want to see things the way God sees them in ourselves, we must choose to see them. Moreover, we must cherish it! This means I am going to show affection for His Truth and pull it close to my heart. I am going to concentrate on it, meditate on it, declare it and pay attention to it.

Prayer and Confession
I am made new in Christ. I choose to see myself the way God sees me and I declare that old patterns, old fears, old strongholds are GONE, in Jesus’ name. Today, I will walk in the newness of Christ, and I will behold the beauty of my creation. Amen.

Further Reading: Colossians 2:6, Romans 6:4
Reading Psalms: Psalm 101-105