Ghosts from the past...

If you came to know Christ as an adult, it's likely you have experienced what I am blogging about.  You know, your friends and family who know who you used to be will talk. Maybe not to your face. Maybe there will be whispered conversations behind your back..."Oh that Suzy, all high and mighty now. Remember when she used to..........(fill in the blank)? Those Christians are such hypocrites." Giggle, giggle.

Really, do you think Suzy somehow forgot she used to be so high on meth that she neglected her children?

Do you think Amy somehow forgot that she used to swing around a pole for money, soaking up the attention and money because it was the only time in her life she felt loved?

Do you think Jane somehow forgot how she used to smack her child in the face when she was in a drunken rage?

Do you think Heather somehow forgot about that abortion she had long ago?

Do you think Melissa somehow forgot about that time she had an affair?

I honestly believe people do this for a few reasons. First, some people are so hurt over their own past mistakes that they cannot bear to confront them so it's easier to focus on the mistakes of others. It also makes them feel better about their own past (or current) sins. But secondly, some people are just hostile to Christ and those who belong to Him. They are always on the ready to pounce on anyone who claims to follow Him, ready to toss out all of their old garbage.  Ready to shout, "Hypocrite, hypocrite! All Christians are hypocrites!"

Friends, when you are reminded of your past, do not for a second start accepting those old labels! That you has died, my friend. DIED! So when a friend or relative says, "Hey Suzy, why you act so high and mighty now when we remember how you used to be high on meth all the time and your kids were taken away from you?"  resist the urge to feel hurt, angry and offended. You will want to defend yourself against this cruelty. After your angry, defensive outburst, you might start feeling discouraged, thinking, "Yeah, I do remember that. I am a horrible person."  NO! That is exactly what the devil WANTS you to do and he is using your friend/relative to bring about those feelings of shame in you.

Instead, this is the perfect opportunity to praise God for the work He has done in you. You put on a big ole smile, raise your hands up in praise to the One who changed you, and say, "I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!?! Hallelujah and praise God for saving someone like ME!"  Knocks the the wind right out of their sails, the devil pouts, AND, best of all, you used the opportunity to praise the mighty God who loved us enough to set us free from those sins.

You are not who you used to be. Neither am I. Praise God!

2 Corinthians 5:17

 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

For His glory alone,

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