Happy New Year!
By God’s grace, you have made it through another year on this earth – and if you’re like most people you are ready for a slew of New Year’s resolutions and goals.
But the most important “goal” you can ever have is to have a real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ – which is why it’s so important to stop doing these 2 things.
“Checking The Box”
Perhaps your life is “full” of Christian activities.
You go to church each Sunday – check.
You volunteer with children’s ministry and even served on mission trips overseas – check.
But as good as these deeds are – they won’t save you – and doing them as a “box-checking” exercise to “feel good” is missing the whole point.
If you simply go to church and think your time as a Christian is “done” until next Sunday…
… I’d challenge you to question if you are really living out the faith you profess to have.
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith daily – and the fruit of this should be evident in how we treat our spouse, spend our money, and what decisions we make.
If you feel stuck in a rut and feel you are simply going through the motions – pray and ask God to help reignite a passion for Him in your heart.
Jesus wants our hearts – not dutiful service.
But the best news is – as we love Christ – and serve Him – it will be a natural overflow from our heart to serve in ministry and help others.
“Get Into Heaven Free” Card
It’s true – those who have professed Jesus Christ as Lord and turned over their lives to Him and made Him Lord of their life – are saved and going to heaven.
But one of the biggest misconceptions of Christianity is salvation is simply “saying a prayer” one time and asking Jesus into your heart to “get into heaven free” – and then live life as you want.
When you are truly changed by the spirit of Jesus – your life WILL look different than it did before.
It doesn’t mean you won’t still sin and struggle – and perhaps you even have a serious stronghold in your life to kill.
But born-again believers are salt and light to a dying world – they know that their salvation was anything but “free” – and that Jesus died on the cross and gave His own life so that all who believe in Him will be saved.
Your salvation cost Jesus His life – and when you experience the magnitude of that it will compel you to live differently.
So as you begin a new year, on your knees with gratitude, pray and ask God to give you a heart of faith that will compel you to live out His teachings.
“Knowing” the Bible intellectually is great – but it’s different than living it out.
Cheers to you and yours this New Year as you serve the Lord with your body, mind, heart, and soul.
Do you struggle with “box-checking” Christianity?
What are some ways you can ask God to help you grow in your faith this year?
You can post your answers to our Facebook page and join in the conversation with other believers worldwide.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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