"New Beginnings"
“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.”
— Romans 6:4
As the calendar turns from one year to the next it creates an opportunity for reflection as well as an opportunity to look forward. Perhaps, with a different and new resolve. For me, the past year has exposed that the resiliency of my youth has waned some. When that happens, our bodies have a way of getting our attention, often indicating a change or two is needed. As I reflect, I can see where I could have made better choices. And as I look forward, I resolve to make the changes needed. Not heeding the warnings could lead to more serious issues.
Unlike our physical health and wellbeing, our Christian walk is a spiritual one and a constant rhythm of reflection, change and renewal. Many of our health issues can be dealt with through our own actions – at times with the consent and advice from a good doctor. Our spiritual walk ebbs and flows in synchrony with our attentiveness to it. If we get lazy, make matters of our spiritual health secondary, then just like our physical health, issues will get our attention. But the restoration of our spiritual health takes divine initiative. Especially with the underlying infection that occasionally manifests itself in troublesome ways.
When sin entered into the world all mankind became spiritually sick. It’s actually a bit more severe and chronic than just feeling down for a day or two. Alma issued a correct diagnosis to the Zoramites when he told them that “all are hardened; yea, all are fallen, and are lost, and must perish” (Alma 16:209) We are all spiritually terminally ill. Paul gave the Galatians the symptoms of this terminal illness, “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like” (Galatians 5:19-21) His “and such like” indicating that this was not a complete list. Some symptoms are milder than these.
Early in Jesus’ ministry, he crossed paths with Matthew (Levi the son of Alpheus) who was a publican or tax collector. Jesus bid Matthew to follow him, and Matthew willingly did so. Jesus went to Matthew’s home for a meal and gathered there were many other publicans and sinners. The Pharisees and Jews viewed publicans with deep contempt and hatred, considering them traitors and social outcasts. They, after all, worked for the Romans. And the tax collected was viewed as funding their own oppression and betraying their nation. The Pharisees thought it unconscionable that Jesus would call Matthew and have a meal with him and his fellow publicans. When Jesus heard their complaint, he simply replied, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” (Matthew 9:13) It wasn’t just the publicans that were not whole and needed healing, the Pharisees did as well.
Wherever Jesus went, he healed the sick, made the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see. But His power over physical ailment was just a testament to His power over sin and death. Just prior to His encounter with Matthew, He was brought a man “sick of the palsy” (Matthew 9:2) and Jesus tells the man “be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee; go thy way and sin no more.” (Matthew 9:2) Again, the Pharisees complained. Only God could forgive sins. This was blaspheme. Jesus had addressed the greater need, but so that the Pharisees would know that He had the power to forgive sin, He asked the Pharisees which was easier to say, “Thy sins be forgiven thee, [or], Arise and walk?” (Matthew 9:5) Then he tells them, “I said this that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins. Then Jesus said unto the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.” (Matthew 9:6-7)
Too often we just look to God when our physical wellbeing is compromised. But sin is the silent killer. Sin satiates our carnality. Sin can even feel good. So, we leave it alone and let it fester and do its hideous work. But it is this silent killer that Jesus came to heal, and He didn’t just want to address the symptoms. He came to lay an axe at the root of the tree. To heal us, from the inside out. And as the great physician, only He can do so. The “healing” we undergo in this life is really a transformation.
Transformation isn't instant perfection but steady growth into Christ's image. The Holy Ghost makes it possible, turning weakness into strength and despair into hope. To experience this, we repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, yield daily, and walk in the Spirit which renews our hearts and minds. A new nature is developed within us. We learn to love as He loves us. We set our hearts on things above. Our lives radiate His glory. We find joy and peace amid trial. We are released from fear, shame and anger. We experience a renewed passion for scripture and prayer. Our witness is empowered because through us, others see Jesus.
While the resiliency of our physical frame may wane in time, the resiliency and strength of our spiritual nature can continue to grow “brighter and brighter, until the perfect day.” (Sec. 50:6b) As we look forward, we all anticipate the coming of Jesus. Will this be the year that He comes? If so, will we be prepared to meet Him? When He looks upon us, will He see His image in us? “Have [we] spiritually been born of God? Have [we] received his image in [our] countenances? Have [we] experienced [a] mighty change in [our] hearts? Do [we] exercise faith in the redemption of him who created [us]?” (Alma 3:27-30) Take time to reflect.
We will consider in our morning worship experiences in January becoming new creatures in Christ. (Jan. 11) How that nature is forged in us through our covenantal relationship with God (Jan. 18) and what our new purpose, mission and walk in Christ should be. (Jan. 25)
If you have a friend, co-worker, family member or acquaintance that is estranged from the great physician, invite them to join us in January as we explore new beginnings and how to “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)