People are kind of funny, aren't they? I was just thinking of how many businesses in Utah have joined with the tourist bureau to urge residents of that magnificent state to spend their vacation dollars at home. One such promotion, sponsored by a food-store chain, was a photo contest. The theme was "Travel Utah First." The grand prize was a trip to Hawaii. (1)

Preaching is so much easier than practicing, isn't it? That's why the little word "if" is so important in our lesson for today. "If" anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. This verse is not talking about the casual believer. 

I don't want to sound judgmental, but it is perfectly clear that not every churchgoer can be said to be "in Christ." Not every officer in the church can be said to be "in Christ." Not even every pa…