A New Man

... 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.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)

I must admit that I am a new man. I love this scripture because it speaks so closely to my life. I grew up without really knowing who God was or why He was important. In fact, in my adolescence and college years I would label anyone who spoke of God or practiced "religion" as bizarre and outlandish. It just wasn't what the "cool" people did. I also remember how uncomfortable it felt when I saw someone praying or who used "Jesus" or "God" in conversation.

But, why?

Well, I soon realized it was out of ignorance; I just didn't understand.

Like most college graduates, I was on a passionate pursuit for success -- hungry to reach the pinnacle of my career as fast as I could. Thankfully, this drive to achieve brought me down a personal growth path I could have never imagined. I sought out books, audio programs, interviewed people— anything that would help me get to the next step. After about a year, a pattern started to emerge. These "role models" I sought for guidance attributed their success to a power greater than themselves.

This discovery had my wheels turning. And little did I know... it was God starting to call me.

Two years later I came to a place of surrender. Depression set in as the results of my excessive work ethic and focus let me down. I finally admitted to myself that I needed God's help... but what did that really mean? My curiosity brought me to a Bible study where I met a Pastor who took the time to answer all my questions. He taught me who Jesus was, why He came to earth, and most importantly, why I needed Him in my life. Slowly, things began to click as my ignorance was refreshed with knowledge.

The answer was simple: I needed a Savior.

Facing this truth was difficult and made no sense, but in the bottom of my heart I knew it was right. With faith, I submitted my life to Jesus and all has changed since. Things that were once important started to fade... the money, the cars, the homes I once eagerly desired—all dwindled. The urgency to become "successful" was replaced with a calm trust that my life is now divinely guided. Excessive drinking, drug use, and sex— 3 of the most dominant temptations of anyone in their 20s— were slowly cut away from the heart.

To this day, the changes are still occurring. And I share this not in an attempt to persuade you into Christianity, but to simply share how I changed. Faith is now the centerpiece of my life and will serve as a foundation for topics to come. I couldn't think of a better way to start off this blog then by introducing a small piece of who I am.

God bless you.