Restart

Do you want to belong to the family of God? Do you want to be part of the body of Christ? Do you wonder what you need to do? Do you understand it is a new beginning, a new birth? Are you looking for a new start?

Many of us have thought at some point or another that we would like to start over. We have done things we would like to eliminate from our history. There are some pieces of our past we are ashamed of and don’t talk about. Do you know there is an option to restart?

There is no need to continue living with shame. We don’t need to live with guilt. Jesus came to eliminate those from our lives. He came to provide us with an abundant life, one that gives us joy, peace, and love. It is accessible to us.

Some will say, “Yeah, but you have to do so-so.” Unfortunately, they are misguided. It is true that Jesus doesn’t intend to leave you as you are today. Yet, we are not required to make drastic changes immediately. God is far smarter than we are, and He knows we won’t change at the snap of our fingers.

Sure, we should spend time with His family, learning more about Him. Yup, we need to make changes in our lives over time. It is absolutely true that we won’t be the same person as we make the changes He wants us make. Yet, it will happen over time, likely years.

The real question for each of us is, are we willing to take the first step? The first step is to be made new in Jesus. We are to be born again. For some, that comes with negative connotations. Again, that is a misunderstanding and the true meaning contains none of those.

As we are born again, or reborn, into the body of Christ, our past sins are washed away as if we took a shower after working outside in the mud all day. Not only that, but we continue to be washed clean each following day. Isn’t that a comforting thought?

We want renewal. We want to start over. We have the option to do just that. Does it mean we will be perfect immediately? No. It does mean we will be made perfect in the end. It means we will spend eternity with God as a perfect person in a perfect place.

I pray we all decide to be reborn. I pray we choose to be part of God’s family. I pray each one of us will decide on renewal and are willing to begin the change God wants for us. Accept the gift of Christ. Accept the joy, peace, and love God has waiting for you. Be born again.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”