Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
When I die, I hope that I have changed significantly enough that my past does not collide with my present. I hope to be known unequivocally as a woman that loved God, served Him and lived for him. I have buried my past and it is no longer relevant to my present life, except as a testimony of God’s transforming power.
Old things have passed away – that means old photos of old relationships have to go. Old journals and poetry that was from my soul realm have to go. Old monikers that I was known by (and thought was cool) had to go. Even old jewelry given to me by men in my past, was sold. Old music and old movies that contained lewd lyrics had to go. Old books on astrology, mysticism, and even home decor depicting or representing other gods and religions had to go. Piercings (except earrings) were removed because of my reasons for getting them (rebellion, seduction). Images of angels and things in heaven eventually had to go. Yoga had to go. Old clothes that were sensual and revealing had to go (except things reserved for my husband’s eyes only).
It wasn’t because of religion that they had to go. It was because of devotion. The more I read God’s word and fall in love with him, the more I want to be a bride without spot or blemish. I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m just trying to be so embedded in the one who IS perfect that His imprint on my life is visible to others. I’m willing to make sacrifices for that to happen. I don’t want to love anything more than I love Jesus, and I will subdue this flesh with all of its vanity, pride and selfishness if it is the last thing that I do. I’m not trying to get to heaven by works or by following traditions. I simply love Jesus more than anything else.
I won’t be judgmental of others who haven’t done what I have done, and what I continue to do because not so long ago, I was guilty of many things and a few non-judgmental lovers of Christ were patient with me along this journey as they planted seeds of truth and nurtured me in love, so I want to be the same for someone else. I want compassion, mercy and love to season the truth so that the seeds I plant take root. I want to forgive much because I have been forgiven of much. My transition is taking a lifetime – but Jesus Christ waits (has patience) on me as I wait (serve) on Him and and He has given me time to love him that much on my own. You see, it is not usually the badgering of a Christian telling someone what they should not be doing or threatening them with hell (although it is a reality and some people really do need to hear it that way), it’s the love of Christ that transforms most sinners. It’s curiosity, then a step of faith that leads to a growing relationship that culminates in love that makes you hunger and thirst for his word and leads you to the Bible to learn more about him and his character and what he wants from you (your destiny; the purpose for which you were created). The answers are ALL in His Word.
Make no mistake, we are called to be holy. We are called to be blameless. We are called to spread the gospel. We are called to love everyone, but to hate evil. We are called to be different and set apart for God, but we are not all called to be the same. God made us different for a reason – so we draw all kind of people to the kingdom of God.
I’m not trying to be perfect. Jesus already did that for me, but I want to be a credible witness for Him. I want to be dependable. I want to be trustworthy and I want to represent what God represents. Therefore, my lifestyle must reflect that. What comes out of my mouth and my attitude must reflect that. Where I go and who I hang out with must reflect that. Yes, it is a high calling – this Christian thing, but unlike what the devil had me thinking, I did not lose anything. I still have fun, and the joy inside lasts long after the activity is over. I still have storms, but he peace inside keeps me until the sun shines again. I am blessed and I have God’s favor. He opens doors for me and causes men to give me the things that I need. He forgives me every time I ask because I take my failures and shame to him and unload them so I can continue this race. Most of all, I no longer fear death because I understand that I am a spiritual being, made in my father’s image, and when this flesh fails, I have a home in heaven with Him and that life is never-ending, and there will be no pain, no sickness, no sin and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever with Him. Truly, eternity gave me a new perspective and a hope that I never had without Jesus.
No. I am not who I used to be. I am a new creation in Christ. I am being transformed day by day. Over the years, Jesus has changed me. His love has compelled me to sacrifice for him so I can be the light he wants me to be with no tint or shade. In Him there is no darkness, so depression, confusion, unhappiness, unholy desires all had to leave. That’s why Christians refer to sin as bondage: it really is. Like most people, I didn’t even know that I was in bondage until I was free. I used to be amazed at the transformation that Jesus has made in my life, but now I don’t even look back. Since I have removed all the reminders of my past life (before Christ came into my life) that life no longer exists for me, so all that is left is my present (the gift of salvation) that I have been given that I am compelled to share with others so they can LIVE an abundant and victorious life.
If anything I have said resonates with you, don’t put off a relationship with Christ. You don’t have to get all religious. All you have to do is open your heart. He will do the rest. Below I have included links to scriptures that will answer your questions or help you explain the gift of salvation to someone else. Feel free to share. Lives depend on it.
#ThePropheticScribe
What does it mean to be saved?
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+4%3A4-8&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+3%3A24&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+103%3A11-12&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+51%3A1-12&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+2%3A9-10&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+3%3A21-24&version=ESV
How can I be saved?
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+10%3A13&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+5%3A24&version=ESV
How you can you be sure you are saved?
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A12&version=ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+5%3A11-13&version=ESV
