Freedom from Condemnation: Embracing Our New Default Setting
As believers, we’ve been given a remarkable gift: freedom from condemnation. As Romans 8 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” But how often do we live as though we’re still trapped in our old ways, bound by the sinful nature that once controlled us?
The Frustration of Default Settings
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s experienced the frustration of technology gone awry. We assume our devices will behave as expected, but sometimes they surprise us – and not in a good way. Margins shift, indentations change, and information disappears. When we ask for explanations, tech experts toss around phrases like “default setting” as if we should know what they mean.
Understanding Default Settings
So, what do these terms mean? Simply put, default settings are the pre-programmed controls of a computer or software, set by the manufacturer. Some of these settings can be altered or customized by the user. But what if we apply this concept to our spiritual lives?
The Original Default Setting
In the beginning, humanity was created with a default setting that aligned with God’s will. But when Adam and Eve chose to disobey, they changed that setting, introducing sin into the world. Since then, our natural inclination has been towards sin (Romans 3:23, 5:12). But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, offers us a new default setting: Christ.
A New Creation
Through Christ’s redeeming death and resurrection, we’re given the opportunity to become new creations. The Holy Spirit installs new controls, empowering us to live according to God’s will. Yet, we often forget that we’re no longer bound by our old settings. We think and act as though we must live according to our sinful nature, neglecting the transformative power of God’s Spirit.
Living as Children of God
We’re not machines, but beloved children of God, who loves us unreservedly and provides everything we need to walk in newness of life with Him. So, how can keeping the analogy of the “default setting” help us direct our daily actions? By remembering that we’ve been given a new default setting, we can live as the new creations we are, free from condemnation and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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