The primary definition of normal according to Merriam Webster is “conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern; characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine”; or “a form or state regarded as the norm; standard.”
As believers in Jesus Christ, there is nothing about us that is usual, typical or routine! When we accept Christ, we are born again. We are no longer a product of the world. The Bible says in Christ we become new creations; old things pass away and everything becomes new.2 Cor. 5:17 Spiritually speaking, we are born out of this world of darkness and are placed into God’s Kingdom rule! We become unique in Him. We are God’s children. Compared to this world, we are no longer normal—we are extraordinary, special people! 1 Pe. 2:9
We are unlimited through Christ’s strength—we are complete in Him. Col. 2:10 We possess His powerful resurrection life. All things now become possible when we trust Him. Mk. 9:23; 1 Cor. 1:30 In Christ you are not typical, ordinary, or routine. We cannot define ourselves by the world’s normal.
It is imperative as believers moving forward in 2022 that we define ourselves by God’s Word. The world has one way and standard. However, as children of God and citizens of His Kingdom, we have a different standard. We must be very clear in our identity. If we mix standards or try to combine the world’s way and God’s way, we will be unable to carry His power and love to hurting people. God will not cease to love us, but our capability to do His will diminishes significantly.
His way is specific, and it is narrow. Jn. 14:6; Matt. 7:13-14 The Gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful to deliver. Rom. 1:16 Who we are in Christ is powerful. This revelation that comes through the Word of God must increase in our hearts and minds if we are to advance fearless and strong in serving Him.
The Old Testament prophets always spoke pointing to Jesus. They spoke of when He would come and what He would bring. For example, the prophet Ezekiel told the children of Israel of a day and time they would get a new heart and a new spirit. They were to turn back to God and stop going their own way and doing their own thing.
Ezek. 18:31-32 NKJV
31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord God. Therefore turn and live!"
Ezek. 36:26-28 NKJV
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.
God was going to make all things new for them by creating in them a new heart.
The Scripture tells us that at the right moment in time God sent Jesus to deliver the people. Gal. 4:4 It is not His will for anyone to perish in sin apart from Him. Jn. 3:16 Jesus came and demonstrated a new way to people. He forgave sin, healed sick bodies, and rebuked religious people for not grasping God’s mercy to help the people. Jesus spoke of new wine that must be poured into new wineskins. Mk. 2:22 He spoke of a new covenant that would be initiated as the result of His blood being shed. Mk. 14:24-25 Jesus was nailed to a cross and died for the sins of the world. The third day He was raised by the power of God. As a result, when we believe Jesus died for us and that God raised Him from the dead, we become new. Rom. 10:9-10
More specifically, Paul explained that in Christ we become new creations:
17 Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! 2 Cor. 5:17-18:Message Bible
Paul wrote the Galatian Church and told them that the only thing that really makes a difference is this new creation. Gal. 6:15 Paul told the Ephesians:
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Eph 4:21-24
He encouraged the Colossians:
10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Col 3:10-11
This new creation is our new norm! Jesus makes all things new! Rev. 21:5 We must get into the Word of God and refresh and inspire ourselves as to who we really are. We are not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by changing our minds to think like Him. Rom. 12:2 As a new creation we have great promises and privileges in Christ. Eph. 1:3; 2 Pe.1:3-4 Do we know what we have been given? Are we living each day in these great benefits? Our new norm as Believers is to be like Him! Shake off the past and get persistent in the Word. Begin to accept what God says about you. Believe and embrace His Word as the TRUTH. It is time, my brothers and sisters, to be God’s New Norm—a spirit-filled, spirit-led, on-fire lover of Jesus, Who is reaching people with His power and love! Time is of the essence!
GOD’S NEW NORM FOR US
I encourage you to read the references below. Write them down and mediate on them. These truths all belong to you, but for them to become real and powerful in your life, you must see them as your own. It does not matter if you don’t feel like they could be—they belong to you nonetheless! Refuse to settle for the world’s norm that is far less than the benefits your Heavenly Father has provided for you. Dare to receive and walk in them. Start today … and keep going!