Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
I love this wording, to “walk in the newness of life”. When I think of anything new, it helps me to better understand the fresh excitement the Lord needs us to maintain as followers of Jesus Christ. It is important not to become complacent and comfortable, but instead, maintain our faithful exuberance as we embark on the journey filled with light and joy that is ours because we have the gospel. As we strive to stay new and fresh in our walk we must be constantly growing and serving, so that we don’t get injured along the way. As we humbly walk the path of righteousness, we must shine the Light of the Lord on all that we do and say.
“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase in faith.” Gordon B. Hinckley
When Mark and I moved from St Louis back to Iowa, our previous neighbor’s home was for sale. Mark immediately fell in love–it was custom designed to the owner’s taste and she put in the details that made the house posses character that we never had in the other houses that we lived in. When they were our neighbors we watched them build this home one stone at a time. All of this caused great excitement in my husband and he bought us the house. This was our dream home, nestled on a private 5 acre wooded lot. We were still waking distance to downtown and the schools. We were in heaven. The first few months we still noticed the large kitchen, the extensive crown molding and the endless views from the kitchen window; however, it didn’t take long for all these amazing details to become normal, and we no longer seemed to recognize them. We had become complacent and comfortable in the once new and exciting home in which we lived. This can happen with our spiritual journeys as well. As we experience or expand our knowledge and stand in awe of the goodness of our Heavenly Father, it is easy for those experiences to become old news, and their once inspiring impacts may fade. Instead, we need to keep the “newness” alive and strive to learn more and share often those tender moments we experience so that they keep their brightness, and increase our faith.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As a runner, there is nothing more important than new, good quality shoes every 3 months. Even when the shoes that are currently being used become favorites, it’s important to replace them with new fresh shoes to keep from getting injured. When a runner becomes injured they can no longer run. Sometimes it’s just a short lay off required, and other times a runner can be out for a long duration of time. Just like our own journeys of running along the path to eternal life, the adversary is always ready to injure us spiritually if we are not careful and make sure that we are keeping spiritual minds fresh with daily prayer and scripture. These two things will be our greatest combat to spiritual injuries. Just remember injuries aren’t permanent, they may cause us to pause and walk or to rest for a bit, but with just a little freshening up by the grace of God we too can become new again.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
School is starting, and I just went school shopping with my kids to get them a few new clothes. They immediately hung them up in their closets to save for school. They didn’t want them to get dirty and soiled before school starts! As our testimonies grow and we experience moments of enlightenment, let’s not hang them up too long, but wear them with smiles, ready to share the joy that is within us. For nothing that the Lord has done has been done in a corner, but it has all been done to shine forth for all to see and for all to partake. We too must not be ashamed of what we know and what we have, but to be excited to share it with others so that the light of Christ will shine forth and illuminate other’s paths.
Acts 26:26 …I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Christ lives! He died for us so that we too can live. This sacrifice was far greater than just life after death, but it was so that we could live right now, happier and more complete than ever before. Every week as you take the sacrament, feel the newness that is yours to enjoy, breathe the love of Christ, follow Him with exactness, and bring others with you.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
“If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us, then holiness is what we seek, in both body and spirit. We seek it in the temple, whereon is inscribed “Holiness to the Lord.” We seek it in our marriages, families, and homes. We seek it each week as we delight in the Lord’s holy day. We seek it even in the details of daily living: our speech, our dress, our thoughts. As President Thomas S. Monson has stated, “We are the product of all we read, all we view, all we hear and all we think.” We seek holiness as we take up our cross daily.” -D. Todd Christofferson
-Sherri Jorgensen
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