Pay careful attention to this declaration from the apostle John; “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).
Many Christians are distracted by a lazy materialistic love for the world!
Others simply move on to other things. Many try briefly and see little change. They consciously or unconsciously decide that it really doesn’t matter whether they grow up spiritually or not.
Following Jesus is far down their list of priorities. And in that, they refuse to seek, know, and fulfill God’s purpose. How sad they will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ!
7. Walk in the spirit and not in the flesh.
Paul’s command, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), isn’t the simple “no alcohol rule” many have preached.
In essence, Paul is calling us to be sensitive to spiritual things while carefully avoiding anything that would distract us from following Christ. Cultivate a strong, consistent focus on the things of the Spirit.
I would take time to consider each of these keys. How can you implement them? Where are you struggling? What is keeping you from following Jesus with your whole heart and life?
Then consider this; How much do you look like Jesus? Or what do people think of when they think of you?
I keep that question in front of my mind all the time. I don’t want people to look at me and think, “What a good man!” “He preached great sermons and wrote great articles.” “He loved people.”
All of those things are wonderful! But they don’t fulfill the ultimate purpose God has for my life.
I want people to look at my life and say, “Ah, Jesus, what a wonderful Savior!” Don’t you?
Love, Roger
Related Resource SWAT Officer Leans On Faith
How has your faith helped you through trauma or hard times in life? Listen to Sean’s story of perseverance throughout his life as a SWAT Officer, Husband, and Father on this episode of March Or Die. Listen to this uplifting story of triumph and fulfilling God’s Purpose.
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