Things I Used to Love… Before Christ Shifted My Desires
There’s this beautiful (and slightly uncomfortable) part of following Christ that no one really warns you about: the shifting. Not just a shift in behavior—but a shift in appetite, in mindset, in values, in desires.
And for me, it didn’t happen all at once.
When I first gave my life to Christ, I thought the hardest part would be giving up external habits. But as I grew spiritually, what surprised me more was how God gently began to transform the things I once loved—things I didn’t even realize were misaligned with who He called me to be.
This post isn’t meant to shame where I’ve been—it’s a celebration of where grace has carried me and a reflection on how God changes us not through pressure, but through presence.
A Glimpse Into My “Before Christ” Favorites
Let’s talk honestly about the things I used to hold close—the things that once defined my identity, comforted me, or made me feel powerful… but couldn’t truly heal me.
1. Zodiac Signs & Astrology
I proudly wore the title of Sagittarius like a crown—independent, blunt, driven. I found identity in horoscopes, memes, and compatibility charts.
But as I grew in Christ, I realized I was placing more faith in the stars than the One who created them (Genesis 1:14–19).
Now? I still carry that boldness and fire—but it’s no longer shaped by a birth chart. It’s refined by the Spirit.
2. The Clapback Queen Energy
Let’s just say… I knew how to defend myself with words. I wore my quick wit like armor. But truthfully, it was a mask for pain and pride.
Over time, I stopped needing the last word. I stopped plotting the perfect response.
Now, I hand it over to God. I trust Him to handle what I once tried to control.
3. Healing Practices That Weren’t Holy
Crystals, sage, “charging my energy,” journaling under moon cycles—I called it self-care.
But the peace I was trying to manufacture was always fleeting. What I longed for couldn’t be found in rituals—it was always meant to be rooted in relationship.
Christ didn’t just bring healing—He brought wholeness.
4. Being the “Strong One” for Everyone
I took pride in being the one who never broke down. The reliable one. The fixer.
But God didn’t call me to be anyone’s savior—He called me to surrender.
Now, I serve from a place of overflow, not depletion. I’m learning to say no without guilt and to rest without shame.
5. “Living It Up” Without Boundaries
I still enjoy brunch. I still go out. But I no longer sacrifice my peace for temporary fun.
Now, I’m intentional. I consider the atmosphere, the people, and the spiritual cost.
Fun didn’t die when I started walking with Christ. It just became fruitful.
6. Music That Sounded Good But Felt Off
Music was one of the hardest things to shift.
I used to play songs that comforted my sadness, hyped my ego, or numbed my conviction.
Now, I pay attention. Because every lyric is a seed, and I’m mindful of what I’m planting in my spirit.
7. Seeking Validation Online
There was a time when likes, views, and attention filled a void in me. I lived to be noticed.
But now? I’m more interested in being obedient than being visible.
I’ve traded digital applause for divine approval—and let me tell you, the peace is unmatched.
A Deeper Dive: What Transformation Actually Feels Like
Let’s not romanticize the transformation. It’s beautiful—but it’s also layered. Sometimes it feels like mourning a version of yourself you thought you’d always be.
Some of these things didn’t fall away easily. Some I still wrestle with.
There are moments I miss how carefree life felt before conviction.
There are days when the “old me” feels easier to operate in than the surrendered version of myself.
There are relationships that didn’t survive my spiritual maturity. And I’ve had to grieve that.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
God doesn’t change your personality—He changes your posture.
He doesn’t take away your fire—He purifies it.
He doesn’t strip you of your joy—He roots it in eternity.
The real glow-up isn’t outer—it’s inner. And it's ongoing.
Closing Thoughts
This blog isn’t a checklist of what you should stop doing. It’s a reflection of what God personally led me away from.
It’s proof that the Holy Spirit convicts us uniquely, based on where we are, what we need, and how we’re wired.
If you’re feeling the nudge to let go of something, don’t fight it. Don’t rush it either. Bring it to God. Ask Him:
“What’s no longer serving me in this season? And what are You calling me into instead?”
He’s not interested in behavior modification. He wants your heart. And once He has that… everything else begins to shift.
Disclaimer 1:
This blog post is based on my personal experiences and prayerful reflections. I’ve been through these moments of discernment, loss, and clarity. This message comes from a place of process—not perfection.
Disclaimer 2:
As always, I encourage you to take everything back to God’s Word. Study the Scriptures mentioned here. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and confirm what is true for your walk. Let Scripture—not people—be your ultimate source of wisdom and clarity.