Our minds are powerful tools that significantly impact our quality of life. Most of us have things about ourselves we’d like to change or improve, but any real change has to be preceded by a change in thinking, first. What we believe can either put us in bondage or free us. Accepting the grace of Christ radically transforms the way we think.

During His ministry, Jesus told the Jews who believed Him that if they continued walking in His Word, they would know the truth and the truth would make them free. The specific truth He was referring to is the truth of God’s grace. Grace is unmerited, undeserved favor from God, which is what Jesus came to give us. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.         

For us, one of the most significant changes in our thinking is a shift in the awareness of our identity. When we get born again, we receive new identities based on who God says we are. If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away and all things are new. Our past is gone, which means we no longer have to define ourselves according to the way we used to be. 

Being in Christ has multiple benefits that we could never claim through our own merits. We’re declared holy, righteous, and perfect; we’re God’s children, and therefore  no longer sinners, but saints. If we believe this, then eventually our behavior will line up with our belief. Studying God’s Word changes the way we see ourselves so that we’re not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Accepting who we are in Christ frees us from our self-efforts at trying to improve ourselves. Believing what He says about us makes us like Him, and enables us to do what others can’t. His grace puts us in a win-win situation.  

Prayer:

Lord, Your grace frees us from having to settle for anything less than Your best. Accepting Your favor toward us allows You to change our way of thinking and makes us aware of our new identities as saints perfected through Your Son. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

John 8:31, 32

John 1:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

Romans 12:2