Saved But Not a Superhero

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." [Psa 51:12-13]

     When a new believer understands the Gospel and bows their sinful knee to Christ then is brought into the fellowship of the body, what do we expect out of them?

     I wonder if we are unfairly expecting them to be forced into a particular mold.  Some seem to have certain expectations of new believers such as evangelizing to their friends, inviting family and friends to church and/or bible study and to get "plugged in".  While those desires imposed on the new believer are good for their usefulness in God's work, I think we forget that being saved does not mean we become superheroes.

     Other than a revelation of Christ to the changed heart of a humble sinner along with a newfound zeal, we don't suddenly gain new characteristics when we are brought to the Savior.   Those who were shy aren't suddenly extroverted in fellowship and may find it difficult to invite friends.  Those who were undisciplined and/or untaught in general study and reading won't immediately (or even ever) become habitual readers of the Word.  If they were unreliable and irresponsible, don't expect them to suddenly be a model of usefullness in ministry.  Other than a new inward man, the outward man before our revelation is basically cognate with the outward man after.

     Ask yourself and answer (I hope) honestly, "Am I really that different from before the Spirit revealed my sin and my Savior to me?"  God does sanctify us so that we can put off the old self and conforms us to the image of His Son.  However, consider this: Don't we still struggle with some of the same sins (though the efficacy may be less) as when we were unregenerate sinners?

     As for some of our characterics, they usually remain the same.  If you were shy before, you're probably still shy now and find it difficult to socialize even with Christians.  If you struggled with studying and reading for more than a few minutes, that's likely still difficult.  If you were difficult to make friends with, you're likely to struggle with the same even today.  If you were quick to speak, I'm sure that bugs you even more now.  If you were often late and irresponsible, you're probably still the same way.

Why then as new believers, do we experience a period of time when weaknesses seem to be overcome for a short period?

I offer this thought:  What we perceive as a new outward man is the result of the newfound zeal for Christ and His people that new believers experience when the hope of their salvation is revealed to them.  Let us not burden new believers with fitted molds, carnal expectations or self-centered progress cards.  These are yolks they should not bear.  Rather let us help to keep afresh and renew their zeal with the continual feast of the revelation of Christ through the preaching, teaching of and fellowship in His Word.