Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #13 — Maintaining your New Identity

Picture: Counsel #13 — Maintaining your New Identity CSL 23.1

When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you become a brand-new person. Your old life is gone, and you are now deeply connected with Christ. To keep this new identity strong, it’s important to spend time daily with God. This means remaining in a prayerful mindset, worshiping Him, and reading His Word, the Bible. These practices help you, as a new Christian, understand who you are in Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit as you continually grow in your connection with God.^[25] CSL 23.2

Another key part of maintaining your new identity is choosing to surround yourself with friends who also follow Jesus and will encourage your faith. These friends will remind you of your new identity as a child of God, encouraging you and helping you stay strong in your new life. It’s also important to ask others to pray for you and with you. The Bible tells us to help and support each other through difficult times.^[26] CSL 23.3

“Be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. …. Don’t get drunk on wine, which produces depravity. Instead, be filled with the Spirit in the following ways: speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts.” Ephesians 5:15-19 CEB CSL 23.4

“We should speak to each other of the love of God and of the plan of salvation. This would bring new life to our hearts and to one another.” Ellen White in Steps to Jesus , p.101 CSL 23.5

Reflect: How do your friends impact your new identity in Christ? CSL 23.6