*Imagine* A Brand New Life
Imagine…
A brand new life.
Does that sound intriguing? Can you picture it?
I’m not just talking about veneer, paint, or decorative touches—used to hide what’s underneath.
No, not that.
We already know that all too well…
Black is slimming, expensive possessions distract from a deep poverty of the soul, the baseball cap nicely covers a receding hairline, bragging keeps those crippling insecurities at bay, the huge truck compensates for a short stature, churchy language keeps people impressed while diverting their attention from the filthy, ever-present stain of sin. It’s all smoke and mirrors.
And it’s not enough. There must be something more.
I think Nicodemus was probably a master of the smoke and mirrors.
He was a Pharisee, a prominent religious leader.
When he saw Jesus, Nicodemus was fascinated.
He wanted what Jesus had.
After some greetings and salutations, Jesus said something that shook Nicodemus…
Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s Kingdom. (John 3.3 MSG)
Nicodemus saw himself as a Kingdom of God type of man. He had the dress, language, and routine down. He was known. People looked up to him. He was a religious leader.
And now Jesus is telling him, “You don’t even know what the Kingdom is. You’ll never see it until you are re-born—born from above, into a brand new life.”
Oh snap.
A brand new life IS possible.
In fact, it’s exactly what God planned and designed for us.
More than band-aids, cover-ups, and veneer, God wants us to be recreated.
A new life. Born over again. Becoming a whole new, different person.
In my teen years, when I was using drugs, my bedroom was spotless—neatly organized with everything in its place. Why? To cover. It was a veneer. My hidden life was very different.
I was concerned with keeping up appearances. It made me feel better to have everything look like it was in its right place…
But my heart wasn’t.
I was good at image management, but full of death on the inside.
Better image management wasn’t the solution (though I desperately tried).
I’m so thankful for a brand new life.
No, I’m not perfect now. Far from it, actually.
I am, however, a new person. I’m free. And I see God’s Kingdom.
In God’s Kingdom, He is the Hero. It’s no longer about my image management.
Instead, it’s all about my image being found in Him—having been made new, recreated, and born-again…
Into a brand new life.
Imagine that!
That, my friends, is some straight up G, pure Gospel, Good News stuff right there.
I am a husband, father, pastor, leader & reader. I love God, love people & love life.
I’m happy for a few clothes on the floor to live with the man I have now. I love you Brian. Great truth. Thanks!
Love this post.
Hi PB, great post today! I like how you are very honest. Since the comment section says feel free to contribute, then I’ll go ahead and add my thoughts…..
It’s hard when you grow up in a Christian family, doing the Christian-right things, church, bible camps, family prayer, watching only pg movies, Christian music etc. etc. etc. it’s hard to see “the other side”. So when you talk about having a “new life” things can be new. You are fee… often I’m like “free from what?” Why would I need a new life, I’ve alwways been a Christian…(‘ve always had a relationship with God since I was young) you know what I’m saying?
I don’t know I guess… I’m not saying I’m perfect and sinless odviously I need forgiveness on a regular on-going basis … but just thought I’d share a piece of my background… and sometimes the way I think when I read about this subject.
Thanks for being a real PJ and Shari.
Yeah, I do know what you’re saying. Even though I was (for a season) the prodigal son, my older sister was always an upstanding citizen-type Christian. She didn’t go wild. She didn’t rebel & experiment. She grew up knowing & loving God, and never went off course.
I find it interesting that Jesus was telling Nicodemus (the guy who wasn’t a prodigal son; the one who always knew & loved God) that he needed a brand-new life.
It raises those very questions you asked: Free from what? Why does Nicodemus need a new life?
I don’t know if I really have answers.
Here’s what I think is going on…
We can have confidence in our side of the equation (grew up knowing Jesus, going to church, doing the right things, read my Bible & pray, tithe, obey, never stray, etc.) and yet we are STILL like Nicodemus. Nicodemus wasn’t a bad dude. He was the best of the best, a well-known and respected religious leader. And Jesus told him he needed a new life.
Our side of the equation (our effort and careful observance of the rules) isn’t enough.
I like what Tim Keller says, “The Gospel is news of what God has done to reach us. It is not advice about what we must do to reach God.”
I think this is where we have a new life – that place where we realize “I don’t reach God.”
He made all the moves. He is the hero of my story, not me. My identity isn’t about my doings any more; now my identity comes from what He had done.
I know you already know all this and I’m not saying anything new here (and I’m probably not answering your question)
Thanks for commenting! Appreciate your thoughts.