Check The Label (3)

Who are we?  How do we see ourselves today?  If we let the things of the past continue to shape who we are, then we are clinging to our old self and at some point we are vulnerable to relapse.  If we see ourselves as having to perform to some standard of religious activity to stay clean and sober then we are relying on ourselves rather than on God’s gift of grace.  That way of behaving, even though it looks good on the outside, is based on our old self and makes us vulnerable to relapse. 

The Bible states, “What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.  Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.” (Galatians 2:19-21 MSG)

We are beloved sons and daughters of God.  It pleases Him to support us and lead us into a life that is satisfying and pleasing.   To take on our new identity we need to see ourselves as new creations free of all past offences that would hinder our new life in Christ.  We don’t deserve it but God pours out this wonderful grace on us.  We need to see ourselves living in the generosity of God’s grace when trying times come.  We need to receive the gifts that God is giving.  We need to acknowledge that we can come to God and receive His help to overcome old temptations.  If we seek His help He will show us the way.  We need to trust God that He is able to complete in us what He has started.





 I am sure that God Who began the good work in you will keep on working in you until the day Jesus Christ comes again.  (Philippians 1:6 NLT)

God chose us to be the holy people he loves.  (Colossians 3:12 NLT)

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