Christians, there is a song we used to sing at church in Indiana that said “we’re not going back to the way we used to be.” I realized a couple things about the song. First of all, as Christians, we look forward to not going back to living a lonely, rebellious, sinful, lifestyle. Which is great, we are not headed back to the wide path that leads to destruction. However, my second thought helped me to realize: I had been in a time of testing, waiting on God. He had done a lot of work, changing me from who I used to be. I found myself at times, thinking, “when I am out of this situation, then I can do_________again.” These were not sinful things, so much as old habits, mindsets, viewpoints on: finances, television/movies, what I did with my free time, how I responded to God’s prompting. When we sang the song I realized, I needed to declare to God, that if HE has changed my mind, my heart about something, that I am NOT going back to the way I used to be. That is the whole reason He put me through the situation, to change me, so why would I go back?
Then I realized that God had brought me to a new place. I was at a previous level with Him, I had drawn closer in the areas of intimacy, knowledge, relationship with Him, through the situation. He really increased me in these areas. If I was on level two, and now I am on level six, I realized I needed to declare, I am not going back to the lower level I previously held in Christ. Why would I want to have LESS of a an intimate relationship, fellowship with God? Again it is the whole reason why He put me in the situation to begin with, to change me.
As we sang the song, I felt like I was declaring to God, “I am NOT going back to the way I used to be – old mindsets are gone, my previous thought process destroyed. I need to completely renew my mind towards the things of God.” I also wanted to declare, “I am not going back to the PLACE I used to be. I am not giving up my position, my relationship with God that is more fulfilling and more intimate, not for any reason.” I encourage you Christian, when God puts you through something and you advance, DO NOT GO BACK to old ways, old places, press forward and receive more and more In Jesus Name, Amen.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NASB)
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Proverbs 26:11 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! II Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
written and posted by Daniel Poggensee | 2017
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