Friday, November 12, 2010

Used To Do It Too

I have more in common with certain people than they seem to realize. I've made a lot of wrong decisions. Used to do it too - by Lecrae, featuring KB - is my new theme song. The Rehab album has a lot of great songs that anyone can relate to, not just Christians. It also challenges listeners. Used to do it too talks about the things that we did before we dedicated our lives to Christ.

Here's where it really struck me:

"I know I ain't the person that I used to be.
I look the same but I promise this a newer me.
See what I used to be was selfish and conceited,
I was living for myself and telling Jesus he could beat it.
At the time I couldn’t see it, all I saw was havin' fun."

He goes on to talk about how he didn't change himself, but how he invited God to change him. It's crazy because this kind of behavior is often supported in our society. "Do what makes you happy" and "follow your heart" are heard very often. I've done that: it causes more heartbreak than its worth.

Used to do it too is a way to relate to people who do things that we used to do but no longer do because we have found our place in Christ's family. People see me and probably don't notice any difference because I look the same. I'm about the same height, weight, hair color, etc. However, Christ has changed me on the inside in ways that I can't explain.

To all the people who I hurt when I was not following Christ - I apologize. This is not meant to be taken lightly. A true apology realizes that there was a bad decision made and that forgiveness is necessary. That's what it is to be in Christ - realizing that we are imperfect, faulty, unworthy, and need forgiveness. We need God's forgiveness. I know that I have that now I can work on my relationships with other people. In my "about me" I mention that relationships are the most important thing to me. It's true! This means asking God to heal the relationships here on the earth that I have ruined with my selfishness.

This did not just happen yesterday, but I still have plenty of growing and learning to do. I praise God every day that I have to live for Him and keep moving in the right direction.

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