When people have been ill we look for indicators that reveal they are improving and headed back to health. Those indicators can include renewed appetite, the desire to get up and move around, a countenance that is improved, and an attitude that is hopeful and positive. There are other key indicators as well, and my son in law who is a physician, uses those key indicators to determine a return to health…
Leading indicators… I came across a key indicator of a transformed life this morning during my Bible reading. I would have to say that in my years of pastoral ministry it is truly a key indicator that someone has experienced “salvation,” “new birth,” and “regeneration” (life-transformation) through the power of “the gospel!”
You ask what it is? Their desires change! Instead of a life focused on self and sinful pleasure, they have a deep desire to please God! King David had experienced that through faith! Here it is in his own words…
“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD! I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless… I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless… A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil… I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” (From Psalm 101 ESV)
I would have to say that what David wrote in Psalm 101 was one of the key indicator of a changed life when I committed my life to Christ and was “born again” or “born of the Spirit” or “born from above” (see John 3:1-8). God changed my “want to!” I desired to please the Lord – not seek my own will! I wanted to live a life of integrity and purity!
He can do that in your life when you are “born again” – when you experience “conversion!” Here’s how Apostle Paul described it: “If anyone is ‘in Christ,’ he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Hey, it happened to me – and I’m so grateful! When I read the words of Psalm 101 this morning I found myself saying… “Me too! That’s just the way I feel about life!” A key indicator of “salvation” – “new birth” – a changed life!
Coffee With The Lord 