Red Bird Devotions #14

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Crash Protection

Last night after I went to bed, my computer installed a new update.  This new update changed the look of my computer background, gave me a few options for new security features, introduced me to some new versions of my favorite applications and fixed a number of bugs in the original system that had been causing issues.  The update, however, did not occur automatically, I had to authorize it to download the changes.

When my computer downloads a new operating system (OS), it follows a new “code” which changes the way the machine processes information.  This change isn’t outwardly visible because it occurs within the “software” portion of the computer--nothing in the hardware--the actual machine, keys, screen--is altered.  The user of the computer only notices the change when he/she interacts with the renewed operating system and finds it responding differently than before.

Isn’t that the way it is with us?  Jesus pursues us because he knows his way is best for us. When we submit to him, he fills us with his Spirit! When we allow his Lordship over our lives, he installs a new “operating system” within our being.  The sinful code, which used to direct our thoughts and actions is overwritten by a new code. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

This change is an internal one. Nothing in our physical body is altered, but an actual change occurs; we exchange our sinful nature for Jesus righteousness and God sees us as holy!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

When we participate in the outward sacrament of baptism, we are illustrating--with an outward sign--the inward reality of our new operating system! 

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

When we use this new system, we become more like Jesus; and we find ourselves responding to people and problems differently than before.  If we walk faithfully--not perfectly-- according to this new “program” for life, we will find it resolves many the “bugs” and problems associated with our old way of being.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18)

Because of Jesus, our old system of sin and death, no longer rules. 

And life and peace are our new OS.

 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)