Our Christianity is not just a set of beliefs, but a living interaction with the Almighty. That’s why it “works.” Christ living through us is not theory, but life and strength. The steps that follow express your trust in God. Do them as though in obedience to him.
The following steps assume you know how to study your Bible, pray, and you regularly meet with other believers for worship and the breaking of bread.
Start your day right. Know that God is to be honored above all. Praise God as a God who is more important than anything you have or are involved with. If you don’t have time for God, your priorities are crooked. Say it from the heart: “Not my will but your will be done.”
Know that sin is wickedness, not mere weakness. Confess known sin and deal with it. Be ready to cut off any sins the Lord brings to mind. If you want to continue in sin, you will prevent the blessings God gives only to the obedient.
Know that you are weak. Look ahead of the day and see where your buttons will be pushed and your weaknesses will surface. Will something trigger you to say, think, feel, or do wrong? Ask the Lord to give you strength for the situations you’ll face today.
Know that all things are working together for good to those who love God. All trials are to test your character, and therefore are not bad in themselves. Use the situations to examine yourself – Did you give in to temptation or weakness? Did you stand strong? Did you find God’s help? Knowing that God uses the trials for your good will help you face them with patience and wisdom.
Know that you have an enemy who wants you to arrive at the judgment seat dirty and shamed. Put on the armor of God. Put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. If you cannot tell yourself the glorious gospel, then you are liable to be fooled by the enemy with all kinds of substitutes for the life God came to give you.
Know that every person is made in the image of God. All of us are fallen. All of us need compassion and understanding. Love your neighbor the way you want to be loved.
Know peace. Use the small breaks in the day to commune with God and prepare for any coming trials. Turn off the TV, computer, radio, hand-held device, and phone for this time.
Know God’s care for you. Do not worry about tomorrow. Plan, but don’t fret.
Know the cross. If temptation comes, tell yourself that you have died with Christ and are risen with him, and sin no longer has power over you. Yield yourself to God, then get your mind and body busy honoring God. As often as temptation comes, is as often as you apply the cross.
Know gratefulness. At the end of the day, thank God for the day and all that went with it, whether it was enjoyable or not.
What Do You Think?
a. Do you know the difference between believing in your faith and taking steps to put it into practice?
b. For you, what is the hardest part about living the Christian life?
c. Which of the above steps will be the hardest for you to follow, and why?
