Many Christians don’t look or act like Jesus because they have forgotten a great essential to our faith.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” Proverbs 9:10-12
Today we are going to have a little sit down. I want you to grab your journal or a piece of paper and do these exercises with me.
Let’s take a moment and do a heart assessment. Ask yourself:
- Are you willing to follow Jesus even if it means you will face Spiritual Warfare head-on?
For me, I’m fully aware of the Spiritual Warfare we’re already living in. Just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean we can’t discern the war between good and evil.
I know the fruit of choosing evil as my life was a dumpster fire before Jesus. But, the scariest factor is Eternity! Making the choice to ignore God’s way puts you in spiritual jeopardy. You risk not only living your purpose but losing your eternal destiny with God.
Imagine an eternity without hope, love, kindness or beauty.
- What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Christ?
Anything you are holding onto because you are co-dependent, fearful, dreading the unknown, etc..
The Bible says:
“And anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:38-39
- Ask yourself what immediate benefits you receive by putting surrendering your life to Christ?
We human beings tend to do what we really want to do. We prioritize what is important to us. When we don’t put Christ first, we are essentially saying we prefer to do things our way. This reflects a spirit of rebellion.
Let’s see what God says about that:
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you.” 1 Samuel 15:23-24
Let’s end in a Prayer to Consecrate our Lives to Jesus:
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for not putting more weight and value into your purpose for my life.
Remove the veil from my eyes and the stone from my heart.
I need to receive the fullness of your love and acceptance so I don’t go searching for significance in all the wrong places.
The only thing that matters is what you have to say.
So, tell me, Lord.
What am I missing?
Is my own agenda blocking my ability to hear you?
Is my attention focused on pleasing others rather than pleasing you?
I don’t want to focus on me. My thoughts, feelings, problems and insecurities. But, sometimes my mind gets cluttered with these fruitless distractions.
Today, I give them to you.
I trust you, but not as much as I should. Increase my portion, Lord.
Help me to come to you before any advisor, pastor, mentor or friend.
Be my everything so I can be everything you designed me to be.
In Jesus’ name, I commit my life to you. Amen.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, when and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46
