As we grow in our faith and relationship with God, it is essential to recognize the path we've traveled. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, reminds us of our previous lives before coming to faith in Christ when he writes in Colossians 3:7, "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them." This scripture serves as both a gentle reminder and a solemn call to reflection regarding our past behaviors, the grace that has transformed our present, and the holy calling that lies ahead.

When Paul refers to "the which ye also walked some time," he is addressing the lifestyle that characterized our lives before we accepted Jesus as our Savior. He points back to a time when we were ensnared by sin, engaged in behaviors and patterns that were contrary to the nature of Christ. This way of life may have been appealing or comfortable in its own right, yet it ultimately led to loneliness and separation from our Holy Father. For many, these past ways may be wrapped in memories of guilt, shame, and disappointment.

However, verses 1 and 3 of the same chapter remind us of our new identity in Christ: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" and "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." These declarations indicate that though we once lived enslaved to our former selves—full of the sinful desires and practices that defined us—when we accepted Jesus, we were reborn into a new life. This is a powerful transformation! As believers, we are no longer solely identified by our past sins, but rather by His righteousness and grace.

The phrase "when ye lived in them" can be sobering. It reflects a state of being engulfed by the ways of the world—living out of sync with the divine design. It sheds light on the importance of confessing and recognizing our histories, not to dwell perpetually in remorse, but to fully appreciate the magnitude of God’s saving grace. Understanding where we’ve come from equips us for encouragement amidst our struggles and compels us to share the Gospel with others who may still be entrenched in their own 'walking in them.'

As we examine our journeys, we are called to be transformed in our thoughts and actions. Colossians 3 is peppered with exhortations on putting off the old self and putting on the new. Verses 8-10 instruct us to put away anger, wrath, malice, and filthy communication and instead adopt compassion, kindness, humility, and love. Every bit of the transformation God promises us is a dress rehearsal of the eternal life He desires for us.

But how do we reconcile our past with our present? The grace of God empowers us to live in the light of the redemption He has graciously bestowed upon us. Paul acknowledges our past but goes beyond it, anchoring us in the hope of what lies ahead. Daily, we must choose to walk in this new life, actively resisting the temptations that may try to draw us back into our former ways.

As we move forward, lightened by grace, we should proclaim our testimonies with fervency. Remembering where we've walked allows us to empathize with others who navigate similar paths. It compels us to declare the transformational truth of God’s Word—that there is hope for everyone.

Let Colossians 3:7 ignite a fire within you to deeply acknowledge your past but not to be bound by it. With each new day, wake up and choose to walk in the newness of life that Christ freely offers. Let's draw near to our Savior who lifts us from the ashes of our past, turning them into a praise that testifies to the power of His love and grace.