Tuesday, May 16, 2023

WHAT IS YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM?

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

                Every computer, large and small, has an operating system. The computer that I am using has a Windows system. That system sets the parameters for what I can do with my computer. It allows me to run certain programs, but not others that are incompatible with Windows. The operating system is the brain of the computer; sorting out information and putting it into meaning order.

                The Bible tells us that we all live our lives under one of two operating systems. One of these systems can be likened to an Apple system, which is a closed system with well-defined boundaries. The other can be likened to an Android system, which has many different variations. The “Android” system is referred to in the Bible as “the world” or “the flesh”. This system has many variations, but all of them stand in opposition to the other system. The Bible refers to the other system as “in Christ”.

                Living under the world’s operating system is the natural state of every person. We are born with this system hardwired into our soul. Simply, this system operates as if God is not a part of the equation. This system opens the door for sin to control our lives. It runs in the background, like every operating system, so that we are unaware of its activity. The engine or power behind this system is human power. It is the desire to live for ourselves in whatever way we think fitting. For many people, the outcome is to live according to some standard of moral and ethical conduct. These are good people who believe in their own goodness. For some, this system leads them down a darker path. They reject the moral and ethical values of others and instead choose to live totally for themselves. These people believe in their own power. There is an entire spectrum of variations with the world’s operating system, which seem on the surface to be distinct, separate pathways. But those who live by these variations have one thing in common. Whether they recognize it or not they are living in rebellion against God and his rule and reign in their lives.

                Living in Christ is a radically different operating system. First, it begins with total surrender to God. As Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:23-25 (NIV) This goes against our natural instinct to be our own boss. Total surrender is the exact opposite of the world’s operating system. It is a major stumbling block to so many people. But total surrender is the only way to install a new operating system in our lives.

                Why would we want to do this? The old system seems to work fine, even though there are periodic glitches in the system. Jesus made it clear that the world’s operating system is flawed. In fact, it has built-in malware, which has the purpose of luring a person in and then destroying them. Jesus put it in terms of two pathways in life that a person can choose to follow.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

                Whatever system we choose to follow, it has an end built in. Each system is leading us somewhere. The question is where? Paul clarifies the end game for each of the systems. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)

                Jesus came into the world to repair the operating system of humanity. When God created humanity, the operating system was perfect. But when sin entered the world it corrupted that system and sent it heading in a different direction. Jesus came to restore the original operating system. When a person puts their trust in Jesus, he wipes their hard drive clean and installs a new operating system that changes the way a person lives their life. As Paul has said, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

                This new operating system is not something we can create by our own efforts; it is gift from God that He implants in our hearts. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) Once this new system is in place, it changes how a person views life, the world, and those around them. It gives a person a whole new perspective that incorporates the reality of God’s presence and work in their life. As a person learns how to use this new system, it transforms them and radically changes the course of their life. At first, learning a new system seems hard, but the more a person invests in it, the more they experience its benefits. Paul puts it this way. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

                Everyone has an operating system in their life. One system offers all the pleasures of the world, but in the end leads to death. The other system offers a life of discipline under the control of Christ, which leads to life and life eternal. Which system would you like to control your life?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NIV)

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