Samuel Praise
One of the most remarkable verses in the Scriptures can be found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Paul was painstakingly trying to communicate something to the Christians at Corinth- something that has so much usefulness to us, today. Verse 17 says:
‘If any man be in Christ, He is a new Creature! Old things have passed away; Behold, all things have become new!’
-2 Corinthians 5:17
This verse captures the wonder that happens at Salvation- how the heavens rejoice over the one sheep that has been found; how there is a resurrection from death into life, the spirit of man dwelling inside of him- there are too many things happening at once when a man hands over his life to Jesus.
Only that, just you and the Holy Spirit know. Well, if you came out publicly to repent and confess Jesus, then everyone present there knows too. Most likely your friends are unaware. Your friend-with-benefit wasn’t there, and neither did your coursemates know about this life-altering decision you just made.
And this is the born-again experience.
Salvation comes with a whole new identity, something that can be difficult to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced such before. It comes with a total upheaval of your lifestyle choices- your outfits, your favourite slang, music, books and the like.
If you’re like me, you’d have lost a whole lot just to gain Jesus. I had built high and mighty structures around sin; structures that took years to sustain. Oh boy, I thought I was losing everything. Some people were already living lives tailored to the faith (even in sin) so when they converted, it wasn’t so much of a hassle. You know this set of people- Pastor’s children, Missionary kids, etc. On the other hand, I had to start all over again. ‘New Creature’ became literal for me.
Was it easy? No.
Did I cry? Yes, I cried. Buckets.
Am I better off for that decision? Yes, definitely!
Being born-again is as much an external decision as it is internal. At the very beginning, only you and a few people are aware of the change going on inside of you. But as you progress in your Christian walk and take decisions daily, the ‘new creature’ in you must shine through.
Simply put, if those friends you used to be comfortable sinning with/around still find it absolutely normal to hang out with you, after your conversion, then something’s wrong.
Yes, I said it – quote me anywhere.
While in some instances you might have to drive away certain influences from your life, some others will get up and leave themselves. No need to look for a fight and earn enemies for yourself- Your light is so blinding, it drives the darkness away. Only if you let it shine, that is.
There are practical ways that allow you to live out your new identity. One major way is to be bold about sharing and talking about your Faith. Don’t be afraid to include Christ in your conversations and decisions. If you have to do anything contrary or make you uncomfortable, simply say no. If pressed further, throw in your reason. Don’t cower from an opportunity to talk about Jesus, because many will come!
Another practical way will be to join a Christian community. Sin thrives in the dark, along with other sin buddies. Now that you’re born-again, prayerfully and intentionally seek out godly friends and a community you can be a part of.
I got born-again in my final year. As crazy as that semester was, my time at fellowship doubled and I spent more time with my friends who loved the Lord. It strengthened me a whole lot and convinced me that I could live a life for God, even on campus.
‘The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]’
-Psalm 37:23
Our Father desires to see you grow, even more than you do. This is why He will order your steps to the right relationships. You’ll discover that although your old friends are gone, you’re now part of a family of siblings who genuinely care about you.
You might wonder what the big deal is, about letting everyone know that you’re now saved – I mean, God knows. That should count, right?
Not entirely.
The thing is, God knows and that’s fact. However, you interact with people every day- people who could greatly benefit from what God did for you. People who are living in gross darkness and are in desperate need of light. People sent by God to you, to lead into His Kingdom. Do you see why being silent about your new-found status is dangerous to others?
Okay, granted you’re shy, introverted or plain selfish (don’t just sit there, pray to God for help!). Your lifestyle must tally with your Born-Again status, if not, you could lose that which you’ve been gifted. It’s super easy to slip back into sin if you permit the things or people that lure you so easily, back into your life. Just letting them hang around can do sufficient damage.
Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.
-Hebrews 12:1
There is no better time than now, so don’t procrastinate. Do not put it off. God is right by your side and He is cheering you on. I am, too!
-From your sister with the same Abba,
Praise.
De Vine 