Society changes with every new era. New seasons usher in new technologies and ideologies. As Pastor and Author John Maxwell observes “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
Therein lies the age-old question – does Christianity also evolve with the times? Many are conflicted about how to maintain balance in a changing world.
God, through the prophet Isaiah, declares that He not only knows, but He also makes known the end from the beginning. He says what is to come. (Isaiah 46: 10). This implies that nothing new today is new to Him. He considered all this and He gave directions towards Christian living. In every season and time, His requirements are the same. Here is what you need to know about being a Christian;
- You must believe in Jesus Christ
To be a Christian first and foremost is to believe in God’s gift of the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ for the atoning of our sins. The Bible says that only those who believed in Jesus got the privilege of becoming sons of God (John 1:12).
- You must commit to changing to be Christlike
After believing in Christ and accepting him as Lord, you must subscribe yourself to a life’s commitment of adhering to, relying on, and following His lead. In Romans 12:1-2 Apostle Paul explains this process;
“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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
To be a Christian is to relinquish your right to choose what kind of life to lead, and to surrender that right to God. It is to live, move, and to have your being in Him. You can do this only by the transformation of your mind by the word of God. When you win the battle of the mind, then you can live a successful Christian life, fully committed to His way. To conform to the patterns of this world is to be directly opposed to God.
- You must be different
A Christian lives in the world with a heavenly mindset. The Bible calls him an ambassador, a sojourner in the world. By this virtue, a Christian is and must always be different from the world. His believes, ideologies, and lifestyle sets him apart from the norm. He is the light of the world, shinning forth truth and righteousness. He has a true and lasting solution to every human problem.
This renewed mindset becomes a state of being; transforming the core of the man and making him distinct in all his ways. It’s a process and a journey that is accelerated by one’s level of commitment. The journey demands devotion to the word of God, intimacy with the Spirit of God, and a one hundred percent commitment to His lead.
Is your present state as a Christian distinct from that of the world?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for setting me apart for you. Help me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. Amen
Blessings to you,
John & Jean