Changing after conversion

[DarkProphet]

Many Christians claim that they were terrible before they converted and that becoming Christian changed them for the better. That's nice for them but I'm not a drug addict and my life is not in shambles so how exactly would I change? Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Many Christians claim that they were terrible before they converted and that becoming Christian changed them for the better. That's nice for them but I'm not a drug addict and my life is not in shambles so how exactly would I change? Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?

Ooh, strange, have just been talking about this in one of the other threads

Do you imagine being an addict or having a life in shambles are the only things that would need to change?

Are you able to love people who are cruel to you?

Are you able to give someone in need the very last of what you have?

Are you able to remain loving and outward-focused even when you're suffering dreadfully?

I know the knee-jerk reaction is to bluster and say yes, but really consider it. Most of us are barely able to remain polite when we feel someone has been rude to us online...

You say your life is fine, so what possible change do you need... but do you see how focused on self that is? The world teaches us to take care of "number one"; to acquire and accumulate and as long as we're ok, everything is fine. Christianity teaches it the other ay around. Love God, then love others. The Bible doesn't mention looking out for ourselves. The world cares very little about looking out for others, but that's because there's so little of it we're all busy looking after our own needs or those who are close to us. Even as Christians, collectively, we're failing massively in that respect. But if you come into contact with someone who actually lives as Christ asks, you see Him in them, and you instinctively respond. The world doesn't care for love like that... but it's aching for it and grabs onto it when it's there.

That's the change that He makes when we abide in Him, if we allow Him to. It's a constant tussle between the ego and the flesh, and Him. It's so much easier to opt for the former, and many of us do, but I believe anyone who truly knows Him starts to become more like Him gradually. And becoming like Him - behaviour-wise - means loving people.

He has healed so many of addictions (am another one of them ) but giving us love for others is the most extraordinary thing of all because that's how we show others who He is. Our being ok is wonderful; being able to help others be ok is better.

 

[Emmy]

Dear DarkProphet. Many Christian men and = women will, and can tell you, what a difference knowing Jesus Christ has meant . I was`nt brought up in a Christian Country, and never knew what I was missing, until I met Jesus again. I only knew Jesus from school-lessons, and believed Him to be a very good man. But thanks to God, Jesus found me. Although like you, I thought life was alright, until I got a bit older and had more time to think. Life seemed rather empty and repetitious, not much meaning to it, once my children had started to live their own lives. Now I can honestly say that I have become a new person, I know that God loves me, I have Jesus as my Saviour and Friend, and although we live in an imperfect world, life can be pretty good, if we share the Love, Joy and Peace which Jesus gives. I only found out after Jesus found me, life is not easy, but having Jesus as my constant help and guide, it is more filled with love and joy. I say this humbly and gratefully, DarkProphet. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[Celticflower]

Sometimes the change is subtle - it may be a new openess or awareness of those around you and what they truly need. You might find yourself saying "yes" in a situation you would normally say "no" in. You might sense a feeling of security or peace that you didn't have before. Maybe you will just be more confident that your life is going as well as you think it is.

For some people a major change of life is what they need. Others just need to change their point of view: instead of looking to themselves and for themselves they learn to look at, to and out for others.

 

[DarkProphet]

Sometimes the change is subtle - it may be a new openess or awareness of those around you and what they truly need. You might find yourself saying "yes" in a situation you would normally say "no" in. You might sense a feeling of security or peace that you didn't have before. Maybe you will just be more confident that your life is going as well as you think it is.

For some people a major change of life is what they need. Others just need to change their point of view: instead of looking to themselves and for themselves they learn to look at, to and out for others.

The only others I've seen Christians look after was other Christians in their church, and even then they quickly turn on someone that leaves.

 

[Hentenza]

The only others I've seen Christians look after was other Christians in their church, and even then they quickly turn on someone that leaves.

Have you gone to many churches?

 

[Celticflower]

The only others I've seen Christians look after was other Christians in their church, and even then they quickly turn on someone that leaves.

Well, you haven't seen me then. I have a circle of friends from many walks of Christianity that I care about, pray for and will lend a hand to when needed. I also have friends outside any church that I do the same for. And I make blankets for kids I never even meet, so I don't know what church they go to, if any. It doesn't matter. They are just kids who need a little extra warmth and love in their lives.

I don't turn on anyone who leaves the church I attend, but I have experienced them cutting all ties to friends when they leave. It is sad, but it happens. And yes, some people will turn on those who leave the church instead of dealing with them in love - but not all of us are like that. (Thank God!)

 

[arunma]

Many Christians claim that they were terrible before they converted and that becoming Christian changed them for the better. That's nice for them but I'm not a drug addict and my life is not in shambles so how exactly would I change? Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?

Before I became a Christian I was not a drug addict, nor was my life in apparent ruins. I was already a successful college student with healthy social relationships. So from one law-abiding citizen to another, let me assure you that there is no short supply of sin in your life. You need Jesus Christ as much as the drug addict (or the rapist, murderer, etc.), or else you will perish in hell while he will be saved by the blood of Christ.

 

[ebia]

Many Christians claim that they were terrible before they converted and that becoming Christian changed them for the better. That's nice for them but I'm not a drug addict and my life is not in shambles so how exactly would I change? Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?

Without knowing you that's a hard question to answer.

 

[heron]

You're right, there are a lot of stories about drastic conversions. That gives hope for all of us, that no matter what we did, God was willing to start over with us.

I wasn't doing anything horrible before my conversion either. Well, some unethical flirting and feeling depressed. I felt much more grounded after my conversion, and that has never left me. I put less selfish efforts into relationships, which put me in a safer plane.

Basically, I feel calm and stable much of the time, and when I am uncertain about the next step to take, I usually have a good sense of what to do next. That is invaluable to me... sensing that God is helping me out all along the way.

 

[heron]

ehmmm....

Your last comment makes me think that you are trying to picture yourself behaving like other Christians you know. That is not the point of a conversion. God does not implement a clonation or robocob operation. We might do it on our own, but God recognizes individuality.

Some examples of diverse personalities God connected with, in scriptures:

Rahab was a prostitute, who helped some believer-spies escape danger.

Jonah got perturbed at people and God after he prophesied, because they actually listened and repented. He had a little emo fit.

Moses hardly knew anything about God, when he led millions of people out of their homes and slave jobs, into the desert. Oh yes, and on to better things.

Samson seemed a hot-headed hyperactive womanizer.

Luke was a doctor. Whatever that implies.

Noah was a decent down-to-earth guy who loved God. His story was not filled with evangelism, overexcitement, or talk of judgment. He just followed instructions and built a boat.

 

[visionary]

Many Christians claim that they were terrible before they converted and that becoming Christian changed them for the better. That's nice for them but I'm not a drug addict and my life is not in shambles so how exactly would I change? Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?

The biggest change will be the relationship you have with God. It will change the darkness in your soul to light. That in itself will radiate out in love for the whole world to see.

 

[DarkProphet]

The biggest change will be the relationship you have with God. It will change the darkness in your soul to light. That in itself will radiate out in love for the whole world to see.

Does that also mean I will have to change my positions on things? For example, the Bible is against gays and I'm not, the Bible is for slavery and I'm not.

 

[visionary]

Does that also mean I will have to change my positions on things? For example, the Bible is against gays and I'm not, the Bible is for slavery and I'm not.

You now allow God to transform you. Transformation comes with the renewing of your mind..


Romans 12:2
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.

 

[ebia]

Does that also mean I will have to change my positions on things? For example, the Bible is against gays and I'm not, the Bible is for slavery and I'm not.

You should be prepared to find that you do change your position on some things. For instance you might find that the bible is against slavery and not against gays.

 

[LoneSheep]

Being a Christian is a steep and narrow path.

I liked your question: "Why does it seem to me that it would be a change for the worse?"

This is what most people ask themselves when looking at Christian life. You do have to become more than what you might be used to. Choose the right thing, help your neighbor, understand the Word of God and follow Christ, develop a relationship with the Lord, etc.

The world these days has a lot to offer a non-Christian because there are so many distractions to how crappy the world can be. Underneath it all, the world hasn't changed. It is a hard and cruel place with no future in its current state. Satan has a hold on many of the lives of the people in the world and he has zero interest in anything but destruction of life and all of creation.

If you desire to live a better life through Jesus Christ, he knocks at the door for you. The Lord's yoke is light and simple. Much better than what the world demands of you.

Being a Christian is loving God and also loving your neighbor. It is peace and freedom from the world, but like I said, the path is steep and narrow. Falling is easy, but Jesus forgives you if you get up from that fall and continue the walk.