If you are anything like me, you are amazed at the physical transformations that take place on popular “makeover” television shows.

But even more extreme than plastic surgery, hair transplants and cosmetic dentistry are the changes we undergo when we invite Jesus into our hearts. The coming of the new year always reminds me of the new creation I am in Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Cor 5:17 NKJV)
I am not just changed; I am a NEW creation. This metamorphosis takes place through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5 NLT)
Colossians 3 contains my favorite passage on the new creation we are in Christ: Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Col 3:10, 12-15 NLT)
As I ponder my resolutions and goals for the New Year, I want to be mindful of the new creation I am in Christ and the fruit my new nature should bear. Being “renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him” means that my new nature is an ongoing process. This year, I pray “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Ps 51:10 KJV).