Conversations With a Younger Me (Part 2)

Sunday, September 23, 2012 Posted by Joline

In last week's post I shared about my years of journal-writing and how I'd be just fine if those journals were read by generations that come after me in my family, as my sister, younger brother, and I are the first generation of walking born-again Christians that I know of in our family tree.

The theme of the week was "Conversations with our believing ancestors". Only, I don't know of any. I may be one of the first - I honestly don't know.

This week, the conversation address me yet again - only the dialogue goes in a different direction. What would I tell, share, or ask myself if I had the chance to go back in time to do so?

Well, risking that this MAY sound like a "You've always had the power to go back to Kansas" moment . . . I know exactly what I would tell myself.

"The power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you." (That's what I'd say. The scripture is here: Romans 8:11.)

Why?

Because now, as an adult, I see other adults give up. Settle. Strive for mediocrity. Okay is fine. Fine is OK. "Almost" seems like a way of life/a mantra. The reality that Christ has CONQUERED sin and death and set us free is seems lost. How are we LIVING the reality of having risen lives?????

As I look back on my life (and yes, I'm 43, and there is a lot to look back on), I see how I failed to really LIVE as if I was indwelt with Christ's own Holy Spirit. While I knew it to be a truth, I also truly believe that if I had understood this, I would have LIVED IT, and would have approached many a difficult task, fear, obstacle, dream more confidently - even if failure was an option and the ultimate outcome. Fear kept me from applying myself as I wish I had. And yet . . . I had Christ in my life - the power of His resurrection, His forgiveness for my sins, His Holy Spirit to teach and guide and convict.

I'll tell you this much. I do NOT live that way any longer.