Colossians 3:1-17 (NLT)

Shamdeo was a child who was abandoned by his mother at birth. The helpless baby was left to die at the hands of forest wildlife. It just so happened, however, that when a den of wolves came upon the baby, instead of making a meal out of him, they decided to take the baby boy into their family.

Through the years, the boy adopted his new family’s traits. He growled, howled, ran on fours, and grew his fingernails into claws like those on his family’s paws. In essence, he took on the nature of his wolf family. Scientists who discovered this boy tried to “civilize” him, but to no avail. He kept reverting back to his animal behaviors.

This feral child somehow reminds me of Christians. We are to take on a new nature at our rebirth, but we so easily revert back to our old ways. As new creations in Christ, we are to put to death our sinful, earthly nature and put on godliness that is to characterize our new identity in God, but this seems to be a struggle.

To continually renew oneself with heavenly thoughts is a challenge and requires deliberate actions. You need to consciously make an effort to put to death things like lust, greed and anger, and to clothe yourself with humility, kindness and patience. It’s a daily battle to want to forgive, love, and be peaceful and thankful. You’ve got to nurture this new nature or you’ll all too easily fall back to your old ways.

Reflection:
What efforts are you making to nurture your new nature? Do you renew your mind with the Word of God? Do you meet God in prayer and ask Him for the power to pursue godliness? Do you surround yourself with people who can encourage you in this direction? Do you make service a priority so that you can help others encounter God? Examine your life and see if you’re doing enough to nurture your new nature.

*This devotional first appeared in Encounter Monthly Journal, Starter Issue