We’ve all had times when the past tries to sneak into our lives again. Maybe it’s an old habit, a way of thinking, or a quick reaction that doesn’t match who we want to be. Even after saying yes to Jesus, it can still feel like the “old us” wants to stick around. Week 5 of the “Back to the Basics” series with Pam Brown brightens up this struggle and helps us see it for what it is.
In John 3, Nicodemus visits Jesus at night, looking for answers. He was known for following the rules, but Jesus saw deeper. Jesus told him, “You must be born again.” This doesn’t mean fixing up the old version of ourselves. It means something totally new starts inside us. As fall brings cooler air and the leaves start to change, it’s a good time to pause and ask: which version of ourselves are we letting lead? Are we growing into who God wants us to be, or letting the past sneak back in?
Putting the Old Self to Rest
The idea of the “old man” might sound odd, but it’s really about the person we used to be before we knew Jesus. That older version of ourselves dealt with a pile of things like shame, anger, worry, and selfish choices. It’s how we tried to manage life without God’s help.
Trying to walk with God while holding on to old habits is like carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks. At first, we might not notice how much it wears us out, but sooner or later, it slows us down. Each brick in the backpack is a burden God never wanted us to keep. Letting go of that old self is about saying, “That isn’t me anymore.” It’s an everyday choice to believe that with Jesus, we are freer, stronger, and better set for what’s ahead.
Being part of a church family can make this easier. Amarillo Fellowship Church offers both Sunday gatherings and small groups where people find encouragement as they trade old burdens for new strength in faith.
Living as a New Creation
Being born again isn’t just a phrase—it’s real. When we trust Jesus, something deep changes. It isn’t just about new rules, but a fresh heart. Our thoughts begin shifting, and we start caring about honesty and kindness instead of just fitting in or feeling comfortable.
Change doesn’t show up all at once. It’s like getting a closet full of brand new clothes each day—patience, kindness, forgiveness, and peace. We pick what we wear by the choices we make. Picking the new “clothes” means forgiving quickly, saying kind things, and letting love lead. It shows up in small moments when we could lose our temper but choose peace instead.
Amarillo Fellowship Church has faith-building messages and teams ready to walk with anyone wanting this kind of change. Sunday worship and kids’ classes are open each week, making it easier for all ages to find their spot and start living out this new creation.
Feeding the Spirit, Starving the Old
The more we let God guide us, the easier it is to spot what lifts us up and what brings us down. Think about your day. What fills your mind? Is it hope or worry? Scripture or gossip? What we listen to and think about really shapes how we feel and what we do, especially when we’re stressed.
Making simple choices every day helps us grow in faith. Here are a few habits that can shift what we crave:
– Take time to read the Bible. Even one verse can give your mind something good to chew on.
– Make prayer part of your daily rhythm, not just for big problems but as a way to share your heart and listen.
– Find quiet moments to notice what God might be saying, away from screens and distractions.
Taking a break from things like X or TV can help too. When we step back from noise, we hear God better. What we feed grows, so paying attention to what fills your day really matters.
Moving from Hidden to Healed
Some parts of our old self like to stay hidden. It might be doubts or habits we fight on our own or worries we don’t want to say out loud. But Jesus calls us out of that. Healing happens when things come into the light.
Nicodemus first came to Jesus at night, not sure it was safe to ask questions in public. But step by step, he changed. Later, he wasn’t afraid to be seen honoring Jesus after the cross. That shift from hiding to standing tall shows how honesty with God and trusted friends makes space for freedom and peace.
If you keep something buried inside, telling God the truth is the first step. Sometimes, sharing with someone who understands helps bring light and healing too.
Creating Boundaries that Protect
Letting go of the old self means putting up simple fences that help us stay safe and move forward. Boundaries aren’t about trapping ourselves—they’re about keeping trouble out and guarding what’s growing inside.
Some healthy boundaries might be:
– Making a choice about what you watch in the evenings, especially if it triggers old attitudes.
– Deciding which friends build you up, and giving less time to those who pull you down.
– Saying “no” if an invitation or activity steers you away from your best self.
Small steps count. Setting a boundary could be as clear as a phone rule in the evening or picking a new crowd for Saturday plans. Boundaries are a way to stand up for the new you and reject what you’ve left behind.
The Amarillo Fellowship youth group and community classes teach real-life ways to set and keep helpful boundaries, giving both kids and adults the support they need to stay on track.
You Don’t Have to Go Back
When we remember what Jesus has done, the old ways lose their grip. The tug to go back still happens, especially when life feels heavy or when we’re tired. But we’re not doing this alone. God’s Spirit gives us the strength to keep moving forward, even on tough days.
Fall is a good time for a heart check, before the holidays bring distractions and busy days. Slow down, ask yourself if you’re growing, and remember that every step forward counts. The past doesn’t get to take today away from you. With Jesus, each day can be a new start, and you can live in that freedom now.
Ready to start living as the new creation God is shaping you to be? We’d love to walk with you. At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we believe real change happens when we stay close to God’s Word, feed our spirit, and create space for growth. Whether you’re building your faith or starting fresh, you’ll find strong support and open hearts here. Find connection and encouragement in our Amarillo Fellowship Church community today.