Devotions: Made New

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Galatians 6:15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Circumcision was a big argument and stumbling block in Paul’s day. For Old Testament Jews it was necessary for salvation, just like sacrifices, but it was also a sign to show who’s they were. It was a pride thing, status. Many could not get past Jesus’ redemption and calling. They could not give up their heritage for Him. It is not much of an issue in the church today, but there are others. Many people try to add things that we have to do in order to be accepted. It is human nature to turn God’s grace into a gospel of works, something that we have to earn. But this verse says that the key is not the physical but the heart. It doesn’t matter so much what we do with our bodies, what matters is what has happened to our hearts. We need to be a new creation. That is what happens when Jesus comes into our lives. He replaces our hard hearts with soft hearts that yearn for Him, hearts that long to be like Him. The way we dress or the music we listen to or the things we do for God mean nothing if our hearts are not renewed. We need to be growing in godliness, transforming daily into His likeness. That is what matters to God, our hearts. Have you been made new?

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