As Christians we have been taught
that if we just put the correct boundaries in place (have a mentor, limit where
we go, guard what we watch, be cautious whom we befriend), read the Bible and
pray every day, etc. then we will be empowered to live victorious lives, free
from choosing sin. But, I disagree with this school of thought. I am not saying
these practices are bad, but I have seen in my lifetime many that put these
safeguards in place and in spite of it all, still continually fall into deliberate
repeated sin. I am convinced; the only way to live life victorious over sin is
through a heart transformation. Once our desires align with an unquenchable
thirst to please the Lord, then we alter our choices, we walk differently and
talk differently. Christianity is not a set of rules and regulations, it’s a
relationship with Christ, and just like we do not purposely behave in a way
that hurts the hearts of our friends and family whom we love deeply, so too, we
do not make choices that grieve the heart of our Savior and the Lover of our
Souls. It really is that simple. If we love Him, we strive to please Him in
every way possible. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” ~John 14:5
Recently I learned through a very difficult lesson that this is not a one-time commitment. Having a heart that continually thirsts to know God more and to walk in ways that please Him, is a continual process. Each day I awaken, I must examine my heart and spend time with the One who created it to ensure that I am walking, living, and loving the faith to which I ascribe.
Recently I learned through a very difficult lesson that this is not a one-time commitment. Having a heart that continually thirsts to know God more and to walk in ways that please Him, is a continual process. Each day I awaken, I must examine my heart and spend time with the One who created it to ensure that I am walking, living, and loving the faith to which I ascribe.
Once our heart has been transformed
and beats to please the Lord, we find our choices being filtered through a
desire to please Him. Then, when moments do arise that we fail, we will
immediately be grieved in our hearts and instantly repent before the Lord and
surely in our regret, will be careful not to repeat the offense again.
I was reminded of when a patient
requires a heart transplant. The patient recognizes the value of the new heart,
after all it cost someone else their life. If this patient is truly
appreciative of the sacrifice that was made so that they may live, they will
care tenderly and responsibly for the heart they have been blessed with. They
will honor the person that made the sacrifice for them by caring and behaving
responsibly with their new heart. Dear reader, the One that sacrificed His life
for you, has given you a new heart. Honor Him today by caring for it in a way
that pleases Him and shows how appreciative you are for His sacrifice for you.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~Romans 12:1-2
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