“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.”

-Titus 3:3

Without Christ, sinfulness comes forth in many ways. But thanks be to the Lord that in salvation, He sometimes works dramatically or over a period of time in our spiritual growth to change our lives. Foolishness gives way to godly wisdom. Disobedience is laid aside for servant-hood. Deception is replaced with discernment. Lust is stymied with conviction. The pleasures of the world can no longer compare to the joy of salvation. The reign of malice, envy and hatred is dethroned by kindness, contentment and love. One cannot come to Christ and remain the same; and who would want to? In the words of John Newton, “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.” And we know when He comes, He “will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Oh, what a glorious change! Be encouraged!

References: Titus 3:3