For many years I didn’t know what size I was when I bought clothing, which happened very infrequently. I was so insecure about my body that I bought pieces that were 2-3 sizes bigger than I actually was! Learning my actual size was a truly shocking experience! Even though I know what size I am, there are still times when I want to revert back to my old, insecure tendencies.
How many times do we do this during the day?
I know I’m free but I act like I’m not.
I know I’m loved but I act like I’m unloveable.
I know I’m accepted but I act like I’m abandoned.
I know I’m more than a conqueror but I act like I’m a victim.
I do all of these and more on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis even though the Bible tells me the truth of my situation. 
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Because of the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I am brand new. He didn’t give me a good rinse or clean me out or brush some dust off of me; I was dead and he made me alive. I was his enemy and he made me his child. I was an orphan but he calls me his beloved.
In him, I am a new creation, a radically different person. So why do I continue to live like I’m not?
My answer is muscle memory.
In my natural, fleshly state, I’m always going to choose the lie of who I used to be over the truth of who Christ says I am. It’s easier for me to be bitter and hate-filled than it is to be forgiving and unoffendable. I would rather focus on me being right than being a reconciler. Being a jerk sounds like a lot more fun to me than being love.
But, when I act in a way that is contrary to God, I’m going against who I truly am, so it’s never quite as satisfying as my imagination says it will be.
What would it look like if we began focusing on our new state of being instead of who we used to be?
What would a beloved child of God act like?
What would a person who was freed from sin live like?
How would a person who has found hope speak?
How would a complete person interact with others?
The truth is, we are free, found, complete, and beloved children because we are in Christ! We are new creations in him! We are alive, we are embraced, we are called, and we are his.
Let’s pick just one of the truths of who we are and live like it this week. Let’s see what happens in our hearts and the world around us when we live as the new creations that we truly are!
Sarah is an entrepreneur and published author, currently living in Dallas, Texas. Her dreams include founding businesses, giving strategically, and sharing art with the world. And her life motto is: Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story is worthy of being shared.
You can find more of her writing on her blog or connect with her on social media.
