Looking Back

Romans 6:6 – For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. (NIV)

The other day I was looking at my "dog tags", which I got when I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On the tags are my name, service number, religious preference and blood type. As I looked at them I noticed my religious preference at the time: "None". At that time in my life, I did not have a relationship with Christ.

As I look back, I can see how different my life was then, compared to now. I did things then of which I am ashamed. Basically, I drank my enlistment away. I would visit strip bars all the time just so I could drink and look at the women. I had purchased pornographic movies with friends and we would watch them when we were out at sea. I have done things I should never have done, and I regret my actions now.

It is sometimes hard to talk about these actions, but as I have matured in my relationship with Christ, I am not the same person I was then. I have changed because Christ is now in my life. My old self has been shed and I am a new creation in Christ. While I cannot say I have never done this or that, I know that I have been forgiven. I would hope that people would see the difference in me now because my life is lived for Christ and not for my own self-pleasure.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before you as sinners. We do not deserve your mercy and grace and yet you gave your Son so that we may be seen righteous in your sight. There is only joy in our hearts for what you did for us. May our lives now reflect that joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.