A known drug dealer in New York was arrested for selling heroin. His name was Archie Outlaw. While out on bail he decided to have his name changed, believing that it might make the judge give him a lighter sentence.
“I’d like to have my name changed,” he said to an attorney.
“What name would you prefer?” asked the attorney.
“Sir,” replied Archie Outlaw, “please change it to Archie Bylaw, Archie Lawman or Archie Inlaw. Maybe Archie D’Law!”
We cannot become a new person with a new identity simply by changing our name. It is more than a name, it is our nature, that controls what we do. And if we want a change of nature, it takes more than a change of our name - it takes the Lord.
When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become new persons with a change that starts on the inside and works its way outward. Only the Holy Spirit can give us a new life. When that happens, we are not the same “old persons” anymore. We are not persons who have been reformed, but as Paul puts it, we are persons who are transformed into a “new creation.” When we become a “new creation” we begin a new life in Christ, we live with His power within and have a living, vital relationship with Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, create in us a clear heart that leads to a godly life. May our new nature reveal a new way of living that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
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