Born that way vs. born again? Is there a difference? Webster’s defines “to be born a particular way” thusly:
To be naturally inclined to be or behave in a certain way. Example: I've never been a very patient person—I just wasn't born that way, I guess.
My pastor, who is very wise for his young age, said something profound a few sermons ago. I can’t recall the exact quote however he noted that we are ALL born a particular way. But, he reminded us, we are also “born again” when we accept Jesus Christ as Savior. This is as profound as it is comprehensive.
Fellow believer, the next time you hear the rallying cry “born this way” invoked as a call to action on your part, as though inaction is an automatic implication of wrongdoing, I want you to consider a remarkable conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Jesus, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
Fair question.
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:4-6
Don’t you just love how Jesus always has the perfect answer?
You see, for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, the choice is a binary one. We are all, by no choice of our own, born of flesh, but then by our own choice, born yet again of the Spirit. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The Apostle Paul, hand picked by Jesus Himself to take His message to the world, went so far as to say: You were bought with a price. So then, honor and glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20. Upon becoming born again, subsequently freed from the shackles of sin and death, you and I become a new person. Therefore: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 2:12. In other words worship the Creator and not His creation. He is the only true source of redemption, freedom, restoration, equality, and internal peace. Be warned that it won’t be easy: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.” Romans 8:7.
I’ll end with this reflective thought: It doesn’t matter how we were born, for we are all created in His image. If we choose to be born again we will bear His image and His Holy Spirit will renew our minds day by day. The patterns of this world will inevitably consume themselves in bitterness, envy, disappointment, and even hate. That is, unless we are willing to take up our cross daily and fix our eyes only on Jesus. What would any man give in exchange for his very soul?
May your arrows be holstered. 🏹
Jim
Awesome article Jim! ✝️🫡
You’re absolutely right. More people need to hear this message. We are not hateful.
Until we actually talk to them. It’s the “media” that is reaching them. We ALL know what the “media” thinks about Christians. 😪
Arrows quivered Sir. Stay strong 💪
Amen Christian! Thank you.