Water baptism is total water immersion. It is not sprinkling water on the head as some people do. It is a declaration that you are crucified, buried, and have risen with Christ and become a new man (Rom 6: 4).
As a new man, there are things not to do after baptism. Things not to do after water baptism include living like the world, and neglecting prayer, and bible study. Another thing is to become too relaxed or complacent.
Know that water baptism is a show of commitment and readiness to follow Christ. Hence, you need not do these things to avoid pitfalls. Do everything you can to grow in the path of spiritual progress.
Things not to do after baptism
There are crucial things not to do after baptism. Sticking to these rules will not only enable you to avoid traps but will strengthen your relationship with God. It will also help you grow and become a heaven-bound Christian.
Do not do the following after baptism:
1. Going back to your vomits (sin)
The moment you went through water baptism, it was a commitment to follow Christ. You need to avoid going back to your sinful nature like smoking, fornication, lying, taking hard drugs e.t.c; this is one of the things not to do after baptism to remain committed to Christ. COL 3:1 AMP says; “If then you have been raised with Christ (to a new life, thus sharing his resurrection from the dead) aim at and seek the (rich, eternal treasures) where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”
2. Separating or insulating yourself from others
Avoid running away or isolating yourself from other believers in the name of being sacred. This is one of the things not to do after baptism. Don’t think you can do it alone after water baptism. Participate solely in your local church; it aids your spiritual growth. “Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves togetheras the manner of some is” (Heb 10:25a).
3. Having unhealthy relationships
Evil communication corrupts good manners. Once you get baptized by water and become born again, you separate yourself from your unholy companion. Comeout from among them and be ye separate; So come out from among (unbelievers) and separate(sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not(any) unclean thing. (2cor 6:17a AMP).
Surround yourself with believers and men who will help you grow. An unhealthy relationship makes you vulnerable to sin and makes you fall away from your faith.
4. Relying on your emotions
Let your trust and anchor be in God and his words. This makes you last longer in faith. Your emotions wobbles hence your faith should not be based on your feeling.
5. Judging others
Don’t think because you are now baptized that you are already in heaven and then you go about judging people. This is one of the things not to do after water baptism, don’t judge others. Water baptism is supposed to be a humbling experience and not one that makes you intolerant.
6. Giving up in times of adversity
The Bible says if you fall in a time of adversity your strength is weak. Difficulties, challenges, and troubles will come after water baptism but don’t let them take you away from God. Remember that the moment you become immersed in water you promise to follow him, hold on to him, and don’t leave him. Let those difficulties make you stronger in God.
7. Disobeying God’s commandments
Water baptism does not give you the liberty to disobey God. It signifies a commitment to obey his commandments. Live on God’s principles and rules.
8. Neglecting prayer
This is the easiest way Satan can get you. When your prayer tank becomes empty, the devil comes in to fill it up with bad ideas and things. Prayer builds up your spiritual strength. In the words of Jesus, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.”
9. Forgetting gratitude
Water baptism is a great privilege for any Christian. It should be something you should be grateful for and happy as it is a new path that you have found. Don’t be an ingrate by neglecting or forgetting the significance of this event and becoming unthankful to God. Give thanks always to God and the Father.
10. Becoming proud
Pride goes before a downfall. Don’t think that water baptism makes you bigger than others, rather it is a symbol of humility. Let your conduct reflect Christ and don’t boast.
11. Overlooking acts of service
You must take the mantle of serving others to make a positive impact. Show God’s love through acts of compassion and service. As you are serving others you are indirectly serving God in his vineyard. Helping and Serving others in need both in your local church and beyond is also an expression of your faith.
12. Avoiding doubts and pretending not to have questions
As someone who just got a new experience, this is one of the things not to do after water baptism. It is natural tohave doubts and some questions popping up that you need clarity on. Pretending or ignoring them is like building your faith on a shaky foundation. Not only that, you are denying yourself the privilege to gain clarity and grow from other religious leaders. Ask questions!
13. Neglecting personal bible study
Jesus was able to conquer Satan after his fasting on the mountain because of the number of scriptures and of theword of the lord inscribed in his heart. The word of God is the sword you have as a Christian. Neglecting his word is neglecting your growth. Take out time daily to study his word.
14. Unforgiving spirit or holding grudges
As a Christian, after water baptism and publicly declaring to follow Christ, people look up to you, and holding grudges against someone ought not to be seen in you. Have an unforgiving spirit, forgive and forget. Remember if God has not forgiven you, you will not be a Christian.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the lord forgave you (Col 3:13NIV.). Unforgiveness sets you into prison while forgiveness sets you free. Be careful!
15. Gossiping
Water baptism signifies new birth and that includes what you use your mouth to do. You shall not go up and down as a dispenser of gossip and scandal among your people, nor shall (secure yourself by false testimony or by silence and) endanger the life of your neighbor.
I am the lord (Lev 19:16AMP). Do not talk about someone at his back especially something you cannot say when he is present. Set a guard over your mouth. Mind yourself and do not be a busybody in another man’s matter. This is one of the things not to do after water baptism.
16. Being violent towards others
After water baptism, your flesh is crucified with Christ. Be gentle and meek, do not be violent to people around you at any slight provocation.Let this fruit of the spirit be seen in you as a Christian and someone who has been baptized.
17. Pursuing worldly desires
As someone who has been baptized and washed with the blood of the lamb, all you should pursue is eternal things. Do not become consumed by frivolous or mundane things. “Do not love or cherish the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15AMP). If you truly love Christ, you will not pursue worldly things.
18. Neglecting the Holy Communion
Water baptism is not the last or only thing you do as a born-again Christian. As often as you can, participate in the Holy Communion. This is one of the things you should do after water baptism as it helps to strengthen your relationship with God. “In the same manner, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, drink itin remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:25).KJV)
19. Engaging in harmful entertainment
Be watchful about the content you consume after water baptism. The two doors to your heart on which our thoughts are built daily are your ears and eyes. Discern what you watch and what you see. Consume more things with Christian values. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions (Prov 4:25MSB).
20. Being lukewarm
“So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16ESV). Don’t be relaxed after being baptized. Work hard and strive to be devoted and committed to the thing you believe in. Being lukewarm endangers you and makes you prey to Satan.
21. Avoid dishonesty
“It is better to be poor and godly than to be rich and dishonest” (prov 16:8NLT). As a Christian, honesty and truthfulness are part of the virtues you should possess. If any of this lacks after water baptism, your salvation has a question mark or rather you need to get sanctified. Avoid engaging in deceitful or untruthful business.
22. Being hypocritical
Your words should be your bounds. Don’t be someone who preaches against hypocrisy but is hypocritical. As a baptized believer, don’t appear clean in front of others but in secret you are dark as charcoal. That’s deceitful. Do what you say!
23. Doing things in excess
Don’t think that after being baptized that you now have the freedom to do anything you like. “Have you found (pleasure sweet like) honey? Eat only as much as is sufficient for you, lest being filled with it, you vomit it” (Prov 25:16AMP). Let everything you do be in moderation.
24. Being religious
Avoid playing religion, it is dangerous. Do not be someone who follows particular rules and regulations solely without understanding the mind of God. It makes you become a Christian by name without a deep relationship with God.
25. Using God’s name in vain
“Thou shall not take the name of God in vain; for the lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (EXD 20:7KJV). Don’t swear God’s name. He frowns at it and as a new birth in Christ; you should be different from others.
26. Neglecting the Holy Ghost baptism
After water baptism, the next experience you should seek to get is to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. It makes you speak in a new tongue and a language the devil can never understand. Holy Spirit is your greatest comforter and neglecting Holy Ghost baptism is neglecting being empowered.
“But ye shall receive power after that the holy ghost comes upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 KJV).
27. Neglecting your spiritual gifts
This is one of the things not to do after baptism. Discover your spiritual gifts and utilize them 1 Cor.12.7 -11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another disspirits anotherritsanotkindsinkindsnkind kinds tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” This is very vital in your Christian journey as it helps to build and advance the kingdom of God.
28. Abusing and cursing people
Bridle your tongue. Let your words be seasoned with salt. As a baptized believer, do not abuse or curse someone. The kind of words you say to someone can kill or soothe the person’s heart.
Water baptism is a total declaration of your readiness and commitment to follow Christ. It is also a sacred event that marks the beginning of your journey with the lord. The above are the things not to do after baptism to avoid backsliding and going into temptation.
