April 12, 2012 Recently I read a story that illustrates very effectively the new life in Christ that each of us is to live following our salvation. Augustine of Hippo is considered one of the greatest theologians of church history. Prior to his conversion, as described in his Confessions he lived a rebellious and lascivious lifestyle. One day, after becoming a Christian, he was walking in front of a bar which he had previously frequented. In front of him, and walking toward him, was a woman of ill repute, who was smiling at him as she approached assuming that Augustine had finally returned to his former way of life following his religious phase. As they approached one another, Augustine continued to look forward and was about to pass by her without looking at her. “Augustine,” she said, “Don’t you recognize who just walked by? It is me!” He stopped briefly, turned to her and said, “Yes — but it is no longer me.” This story demonstrates the new life we each are to experience in Christ. I hope that each of us will be able to live out this reality as did Augustine. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; 2 Corinthians 5:17 If you realize that you are not yet able to overcome your former desires as effectively and radically as Augustine then heed the advice of Dr. Malcolm Cronk who said; “You can’t get holy in a hurry — but you start taking steps in that direction right away.” Beg God to, “Put within [you] some holy motivation.” My prayer for each of us is that we grow in holiness. I ask God everyday to give me a hunger and thirst for His righteousness. Together, with God’s help (if we will each submit to His sovereign will) His desires will become ours.