When I was pregnant with our second son, the doctors scheduled me for a special procedure before delivery because he was breach. I’m not sure how I misunderstood my doctor, but I could’ve sworn she told me they were going to massage my stomach and coax the baby to turn around, but no…
Instead, a specialist sat down on the edge of my bed and said, “You know this is going to hurt?” What? No, I did not know this was going to hurt (or else I would not have given permission for 12 student nurses to watch this rare procedure)! He went on to explain how he would push on my child’s bottom while my doctor (sitting on the other side of my bed) would push on his head and within a few seconds, the baby would be in the correct position for a healthy delivery.
And that’s exactly what they did. (And yes, it hurt but only because it took my breath away!)
The day of this procedure, I was 4 weeks from my due date. You would think the doctor would tell me to rest a bit before sending me home to wait. However, I had been told that as soon as the baby was turned they would begin inducing me for delivery. Why?
Because although the breach position was dangerous, it was where he was comfortable– and without notice, our baby would’ve turned himself back around.
Christians need to remember this principle.
Ephesians 4:20-24 says, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Our spiritual growth has 4 parts: (1) Learn Christ, (2) Put off the old man, (3) Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and (4) Put on the new man.
The danger is found in what we do with #3. Christians who miss this step are a lot like my breach baby. It’s not that they want to return to their former junk. It’s just that in the process of getting saved (learning Christ) and putting off the deeds of the flesh, they aren’t real sure how to “wear” the new man.
So a vicious cycle of condemnation begins.
They soon become aware of certain behaviors within them that aren’t healthy (thank you Holy Spirit) and therefore make a conscious decision, “I’m not going to do that anymore.” But then the “How do I become like all these mature Christians I see?” hits them between the eyes and they are suddenly unsure… and uncomfortable.
Let me put it to you this way: in the process of taking off the old and putting on the new, what’s in between? Nothing. Nakedness. Vulnerability. And when we are naked, what do we do? We put something on because we don’t like to be naked. And usually, the easiest thing to put on is what’s closest to us… the old man. But then we hate it. It’s not who we are now (in Christ). So here we go again…
Off with the old! Uncomfortable and unsure in the new. Oh no, naked! Back on with the old! Ugh. I hate this. Off with the old! Uncomfortable and unsure in the new…? Oh no, vulnerable! Back on with the old!
Until one day, we keep the old on (condemnation and all) because although it was dangerous, it’s where we were comfortable.
When people skip #3 (being renewed in the spirit of their mind), they unknowingly subject themselves to failure. It’s not that they aren’t saved; it’s just exhausting, not to mention shameful, to run around (spiritually) naked. And sadly, this can describe a lot of Christians.
The remedy is found in our approach to the Bible. Even a small amount of meditation in God’s Word every day will renew your mind. Romans 12:2 says, “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 (renewing your mind)…”
Challenge yourself this week to read your Bible every day. And if you know someone who is struggling, please help clothe them with this truth.
