The hardest thing to do is to look at yourself in the mirror. Our culture is deeply focused on belonging and security. It is easy to believe that we are secure with the things we do instead of allowing God to know us. What do I mean?
We know that we are called to follow Jesus and to listen to His voice.
Scripture states that:
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
There is a connection when it comes to being followers of Jesus. In order to listen, you must follow which means you must be obedient.
God spoke to my heart about obedience and certain things that I have been lacking in that area in my life. We sometimes don’t want to “listen” because there is a price to pay by following Jesus. We justify our sinning based on cultural acceptance instead of denying ourselves daily and picking up our cross. “Oh, Jesus didn’t specifically mention that activity”, but yet the principles state otherwise. We could always pull out the mentioning of a specific action to justify the behavior. But you cannot change the principles that demand accountability for your actions.
When it comes to convictions Paul stated this:
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
1 Corinthians 10:23
We must find things that are benefiting us and not causing us to make dumb decisions. I have my share fair of unwise decisions that I am currently reaping because I haven’t dealt with my inner man and listening to God, denying myself, and following Him. When God spoke obedience He MEANS it and if you do not listen then don’t be surprised by the consequences of your actions. You will either be wise and listen or face the discipline based on love. I may not know your weak spots and your flaws but God is right there waiting for your honest repentance. No more “I will stop starting today” but then end up doing the same thing a few weeks later. This is why we desperately need to be surrendered under His authority and lordship in our lives. He is our Savior who saves us from our sin and our Lord who keeps us accountable to live transformed lives which are only through Him.
Make A Decision And A Plan For The Future:
Everyone can have an idea, but if you do not have a plan then how can you be accountable for following up your idea?
The decision starts today, but God will handle the rest.
For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
I understand that we will never be perfect, but I also understand that this shouldn’t be an excuse to justify our sin. While we are fallen based on our sinful nature, we have Christ who is there to create us new. So if you are not growing, becoming new, and listening to Jesus and what He requires us to do, then are you really new?
Can you honestly look back throughout the year and say that you have changed? Of course, there are maturity aspects but what about the spiritual aspect of your life? What about those triggers that the enemies know about and who will keep placing temptations in order for you to fall? Or a habit you know that isn’t healthy but you claim that “this is who I am” to make it seem justifiable.
I have struggled so much this year in a spiritual sense, while I was committed to listening to Jesus I was not willing to follow His direction. That’s a lot of us and I want to remind you that it’s not too late to surrender.
We are called to be living sacrifices to God:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1
We offer ourselves not based on what we do for the church but based on our relationship with Him. We are so busy with life and ministry that we forget who we are truly doing this for, Jesus.
My Faith Journey 