Have you ever felt that you have accepted Christ into your life but you still feel the same? Or is people still comparing you to the old person you use to be because of the things you done in the past?
No worries if you have felt this way before. As Christians, we all question at times whether or not we are really a "new creation". The problem often times, is our thinking in the natural has not caught up with our spiritual minds. We have to learn to operate spiritually in a natural world. This is hard but the Word will transform you if you work diligently by studying and committing to heart the inspiring Word of God.
John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoeveth believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confessions is made unto salvation.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
The bottom line is that when we were re-born we were made a new creation into Christ. This does not mean that we will be perfect in all phases of our lives. This means that we adopted into God's family. We are no longer lost but found. Also, God knows our hearts. He knows that if when we confessed and accepted Jesus was Lord and Savior and died for our sins, that we would not continue to seek him because we would no longer need to depend on him.
God desires to have a relationship with each one of us. He knew us before the world even knew us.
Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
When we accept Jesus into our lives. He wipes out all of our past transgressions. Unfortunately, the world is not so loving as our heavenly father; therefore, people will still judge, misuse, and you based on the past. But be encouraged. You are apart of God's family now. He will not allow things to happen to you, that you cannot bear. He will always give you strength--you just have to ask for it.
Philipians 4:13 (KJV)
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me."
Whenever, my past begins to knock on my front door I immediately state "I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus." Satan knows our weaknesses. He will try to distract you even more so, because you are saved. Satan will use you friends, family, colleagues, and even your own mind to distract you from accomplishing God's will. Therefore, you have to meditate and pray to the Lord daily to give you guidance on dealing with these things. In fact, its common for new Christians to lose relationships with family and friends if they aren't believers themselves. The things we use to do in the past we can no longer do. We must try to maintain holy and acceptable to God at all times. But if you fall short, repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness because he is so merciful and loving.
Matthew 5:11 (KJV)
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
With this in mind, pray for those who try to condemn you because vengeance is the Lord's and not ours. Love those who tries to discourage you. Love those who speak negatively over your life. And eventually the Devil will leave you alone for a season until he discovers another weakness of yours to distract you from the Will of God.
Romans 12:19 (KJV)
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written. Vengeance is mine [God]: I will repay, saith the Lord."
Mark 12:21 (KJV)
". . . Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. . ."
