The Power of a Truly Born Again Life

And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:10-14).

As John dutifully proclaimed the message God gave him, the Holy Spirit went to work in the hearts of his audience. What does a truly repentant heart feel like? What does a genuinely transformed life look like? John gave a clear example to each segment of the crowd that asked the question, “What then shall we do?” The Baptist’s Holy Spirit inspired words still motivate true disciples today. If we are living a genuinely born again life that is motivated by a truly transformed heart, we will be making a difference in the lives of others. Individuals and communities are transformed by the power of a truly born again life.

The truly born again life is fueled by a spirit of hospitality. In the repentant heart, selfishness has been replaced by generosity that compels us to respond to every need as an opportunity to share the love and provision of Christ with others. There is a new awareness that everything we own is an investment from the Lord that He wants us to reinvest in others… “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). There is a fresh humility in giving that Christ might be made known to others… “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4). Evidence of a truly repentant heart is a cheerful attitude toward giving… “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) and an eager anticipation that God will empower is to become more involved in His eternal work through our giving… “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

How has Christ changed my attitude toward possessions?

The truly born again life is marked by a spirit of humility. The truly repentant tax collector no longer saw position as an opportunity for personal gain. It was now about serving. There was serving the state by dutifully discharging the obligations of the office. There was serving the people by collecting no more than was legally owed. A heart of humility will transform the most feared public officer into a respected servant leader who reflects the example and admonition of Christ… “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:25-28).

How has Christ changed my attitude toward people?

The truly born again life is distinguished by a spirit of honor. The truly repentant soldier would no longer abuse the authority and power of his position over the people. He would see his authority like Jesus did, as coming from God… “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Imitating the example of Christ, the truly repentant heart sees the exercise of authority as opportunity to honor and glorify God... “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him” (John 17:1-2). The truly born again life exercises the authority given by Christ to honor others by meeting needs and sharing the gospel… “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1-2).

How has Christ changed my attitude toward power?

As we grow up into Christ our families, friends, and communities are touched and transformed by…

The Power of a Truly Born Again Life.