Does 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) make you excited about heaven?

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.

Me too!

Yet, if we’re honest, we might fear the dying process, even though we don’t fear death itself (because of the new life we’ll live for eternity). We hope that when our time comes, we’ll die peacefully rather than suffer a long, lingering death.

Let’s take this same thought about dying and apply it in a spiritual context.

When we fight an unrelenting temptation, we enter a season (sometimes a long, drawn-out one) of suffering until we finally die to that desire or behavior. Once we’re free of a behavior that isn’t God-honoring, such as an addictions, sexual immorality, or even a “lesser” sin like gossip, we can live differently.

Second Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) tells us,

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

• “In Christ” refers to someone who has placed their trust in Him as their Savior.
• “Savior” means Someone (Jesus) Who paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, thereby saving us from the control of sin – and eternity in Hell.

During this week and every week after, would you consider confessing to God (Who powerfully loves you) a specific area you’re struggling with and asking Him to help you die to it? To separate your sinful passions from your heart so your heart can passionately desire God’s ways instead?

Ask Him to give you a glimpse of what “the new” looks like?

Dying to bad habits or sinful behavior (which, if we were honest, we love) is painful. It doesn’t have to be a long process, though, especially when we share our struggle with an accountability partner or a small group. These people will help us keep our eyes on our Savior, even when all hell breaks loose. As a bonus, a marvelous bond forms when we partner with others who also want to live uncompromisingly for Christ.

What one sin or bad habit will you ask God to help you with this week? What sin will you finally hate enough to put to death by the power of the living Christ who dwells within you?

Because we are a new creation, we are free to live a new life in Christ. And we look forward to an eternity so incredible that it is beyond our imagination.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• Will you confess to God a sinful or bad habit and allow His Holy Spirit to help you break free from it – once and for all?

If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be honored if you would consider sharing this post.