Becoming a Christian. Now there’s something we need to rethink.

Often we tend to think, or it is expected of us that, “When I become a Christian my life will improve.”

This is not the case.

We don’t build on what we have and improve it. We start over.

The Bible says that the old self is “crucified” (i.e. destroyed) and we are “born again” (i.e. a new beginning).

Salvation is not improving what we have become… it is starting over!

When someone becomes a believer a total makeover begins. How we think about people, money, sex, priorities, health, marriage, work, leisure, etc. is on the table, submitted to Christ and ready to be made-over.

St. Paul says it like this, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

You are “born again” when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. In order to grow up healthy you must be a part of a healthy family. That’s where the church comes in to play.

We need each other to grow up strong and healthy! We need one another to pray for, confront, teach, encourage, rebuke, and build up if we are to become fully functioning Christian “adults.”

You aren’t “improving.” You are starting over. And if you’re going to be the man or woman God created you to be you are going to need help! Don’t walk alone! Don’t worship alone! Don’t learn alone! Find others who will grow with you, teach you, hold you accountable, mentor you, “get up in your grill” if they need to, love you, encourage you, and on and on…

So, how are you doing with this? Are you connecting with others or trying to do it alone?