Remember where you were, so you can see how far you have come.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17
Some Background
I love this passage. Paul is writing to a group of people he rebukes in his previous letter. Mostly because they were misusing their spiritual gifts and liberties given to them in Christ. This second letter is much more mellow in the sense that Paul is writing for the purpose of encouragement.
The church in Corinth needed to be reminded of the state in which we currently are. If we are in Christ, then we are a new creation. We are different than we were. The way I live to illustrate this is to have you reflect upon your own conversation. What changed you? What about you changed? How did this affect the people around you?
What You Need To Know
The way you used to be is a contrast to the way you can be in Jesus. Paul's message for the Corinthians is to simply remind them of where they were, so they can see the progress of where they are now. Your conversion was not a 180 turn it was/is a curve. Sometimes it takes us a long time to get there, but it is well worth it. Spend time reflecting on your growth as a Christians and a follower of Jesus. Remember where you were, so you can see how far you have come.