Being a "Has Been"

1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

Previous to the above scripture, Paul listed a long list of grievous actions (sins) that the people of Corinth had at one time been enslaved to prior to belief in Christ. The major notable factor is that they WERE captive,not that they ARE captive. As I roll around to my 30th year as a believer I am reminded through various means of what I was and what I am. Being a "has been" is not bad as it relates to the burden and shame of sin. I was once defined by many grievous and degrading sins. My actions reflected completely the condition of my heart. I can not tell you the joy and freedom that was mine when those shackles fell to the ground that day. Life was all new. My "want to" had been radically renovated. My desires were pointed in a completely different direction.

I could fill pages with stories of how God moved to renew my mind, to set my feet on a stable path and to establish my call deep in my heart. I had fallen in love with The Lord. He used the most unusual means to touch my life and to guide my ways. Some were miraculous,and others were very painful. I learned quickly what discipleship meant and the cost associated with following the Lord fully. He had to draw out of me the dregs of sin, and unhealthy relationships and give me a touch of grace through a community of imperfect people. "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation.." was a hinge pin verse for my life in those days. I had to renounce the "hidden" and dark things in order to draw close to Him who has the keys of life.

To be honest, I yearn for fellowship like I enjoyed in those early days after coming to Christ. It was honest and uplifting. I hadn't learned to be leery of others intentions yet. I was rough hewn and those who God used to chip away my old man, were people who had walked the same path years earlier. I trusted them. They gave me honest feedback... told me to repent at times and to be gentle at others. They reigned in my pride at times, and encouraged sincere boldness and commitment. As the years have past, I have developed a guarded stance and an independence that is very unhealthy. If you fall victim to peoples arrogance and prideful judgment your natural reflex is to back up, push back and to stand alone. It is at those times, if you fail to run to the Lord, you fall prey to the enemy.

Kids, I do not wish for you to be the kind of "has been" your ole man is. I yearn for the news that Christ has become your "all and all" and that your brokeness is His bridge to your new life. I love you and pray for you.


Dad

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.(Ps 139:23-24)